Sexism In Chronicle Of A Death Foretold

Once was is no more What would the world be like without equality? Women today are starting to feel to be empowered and anything they set their eyes on is possible just with hard work and determination. Even though this is true, women are still endure to be called the weaker sex in certain societies showing that sexism still plays a part in today’s society as seen in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s book, Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Women in the book reflect not only the extent of women’s internalization of their chain of command or their exploitation but also their diverse expression to this oppressive suppression. Through the character of Angela Vicario, Gabriel Garcia Márquez presents the exploitation of women in the society and he raises the position of women in their society. For Bayardo San Roman, she is merely a conquest of the woman he chooses, this is to say, the woman is just a
prize to be won. Angela herself makes it very clear that she does not want to marry Bayardo as seen in “It was Angela Vicario who did not want to marry him.” She did not appreciate his influential public determination to show his interest in her and how he never even courted or engaged with her but merely won over the family with his charm. Angela hinted that she did not love him but this is met with rejection from her mother as seen in “…Love can be learned.” This shows that she has no choice in the matter, being forced into marriage with a mysterious man. As the bishop arrives, another woman’s resistance of her oppression openly defies. Gabriel Garcia Marquez also shows compassion for the women’s subjection of women in the society, Santiago’s mother; Placido Linero refuses to be part of the cycle of the town’s constant faith of the bishop actually leaving the boat.
This is seen in “He won’t even get of the boat. He will give an obligatory blessing, as always and go back the way he came. He hates this town.” She considers the Bishop as exhibition of the pretense of religious institutions as they agree with the way of governance. Another refusal to join the people’s extravagant celebration is significant of her position. With her undermining of the faith practiced, she believes in her pagan way of life through magic realism. Placido is a woman of character who stands for what she believes in. General Roman is considered as a “hero” of the civil wars is what she hates as in opposition Western approaches and makes a political statement when she refuses to shake his hand. In Marquez’s view, she is a larger vision for the West to reconsider their understanding of “other people”,
non-Westerners. In conclusion, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s characterization of women is a representative of the unique and complex relations in the some parts of the world. The women in Chronicle of a Death Foretold are embodiments of our way of life, how we can change this perception of the opposite sex completely as united community regardless of origin or race.

Word Count: 528