Study Notes on the Narrative Structure and Character Analysis

Retrospective Narrator

  • The story is narrated by a retrospective narrator who returns 27 years later to recount the events.

  • This retrospective narrative style creates suspense and mystery, as the audience already knows the outcome, thus focusing on the reasons and the backstory.

Elements of Writing

  • Mix of Fantasy and Reality:

    • Incorporates elements of magical realism due to the author's upbringing in a superstitious family where magical tales were prevalent.

    • Reflected in the narrative style and thematic structure of the story.

  • Narrative Style:

    • The narrator is in the first-person perspective, enhancing the personal connection to the story.

    • Non-linear narration, similar to Toni Morrison's "Beloved", which does not follow a straightforward timeline.

    • The structure includes interviews and various comments from different characters.

Structure and Genre

  • The story can be classified as a reverse whodunit:

    • Unlike traditional mysteries, the outcome (the culprit) is known: Pedro and Pablo Picarrio committed the murder.

Character Analysis

  • Significance of Character Names:

    • Names in the story have symbolic meanings:

    • Plácido Alonzo: Represents peace or tranquility.

    • Victoria Guzman: Suggests victory.

    • Davina Flores: Reflects the idea of flourishing or blooming.

    • Ibrahim Nazar: Father of Santiago; connects to biblical references.

    • Ángela Vicario: Represents angelic qualities; linked to purity and innocence.

    • Santiago Nasar: Available connections to religious connotation (Nazareth/Jesus). Often linked to the sacrificial lamb.

    • Pedro and Pablo Picarrio: Spanish versions of Peter and Paul, references to biblical apostles.

    • Byardo: Character representing the conflicting social desires.

  • Attitudes Toward Characters:

    • Character attitudes towards the murder vary:

    • Victoria Guzman (Mother): Disapproving of Santiago due to her protective nature regarding her daughter.

    • Divina Flores (Daughter): Holds a dream interpreting ability but tends to ignore her visions.

    • Fotilde Armanta: Character associated with morality through her ownership of the mugshot.

    • Pedro and Pablo: Friendliness towards Santiago, showcasing irony in their familiarity with him despite planning his murder.

  • Irony in the Murder:

    • Pedro and Pablo, who plotted to murder Santiago, did not use the front door, showcasing a lack of coherence between their intentions and actions.

Key Themes and Quotes

  • The narrative includes important themes that are explored:

    • Irony: Highlighted through quotes, such as from Fotilde, urging others to defer the murder out of respect for the bishop, showcasing moral contradictions.

    • Themes include honor, revenge, the roles of men and women, deception, loyalty, justice, religion, and fate.

Point of View

  • The story is narrated from the first-person perspective of a villager who returned after a significant time away, and appears to struggle with personal moral implications of the events recounted:

  • The narrator states experiencing the night of Santiago's attack with mentions of indulgence and cultural norms, such as being awoken unexpectedly in the lap of Maria Alejandrina Cervantes, suggesting an underlying critique of societal morality and expectations regarding women.

  • Character Connection: Maria Cervantes may reflect characteristics similar to biblical figures (e.g., Mary Magdalene), enriching the thematic structure of the narrative.

Script Analysis Exercise

  • Students are advised to engage in script analysis to deepen understanding:

    • Collaborate in pairs to select three images from Chapter One for analysis:

    • Cite page numbers and provide analysis of how the images were created, why they matter, and their effect on the reader.

  • Format the collaboration by titling the work with both student names and concluding with a collective title for Chapter One.