Flashback

The idea of courtship is a central theme in Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Bayardo, through lavish gifts, worries more about proving his social power than his fiancé, Angela Vicario. For example, Angela describes her future house as “the farmhouse belonging to the widower Xius.” Bayardo, intent on satisfying her, doesn’t take no for an answer when he offers to buy the house “along with everything inside.” Bayardo demonstrates just how much money he is willing to spend on her. He also buys a music box for her, carefully wrapped. Although not keen on the engagement at first, Angela was told that love could be learned.

The Columbian social structure set up in Chronicle of a Death Foretold is not unlike old knight tales. Courtship, gifts, strong sexism, and an even stronger gender gap. Angela is “returned,” as if talking about something bought, to her house after Bayardo discovers her not a virgin. Angela is viciously beaten by her mom and returned by her husband, perpetuating a brutal social structure. Although it is perfectly acceptable, presumably, for a male to engage in premarital sex. Sometimes, while reading, I imagine a time period much earlier, only to be rudely awakened by the introduction of cars or other modern technology. But then again, maybe this just reminds me how glad I am to live far away from Bayardo.