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Paradox of Character in Chronicle of a Death Foretold

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In Gabriel Garcia-Marquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold, the concept of appearance versus reality is manifested in three of the major characters around whom the novel revolves. The surface impressions of Santiago Nasar, Angela Vicario, and Bayardo San Roman are deeply rooted in Latin culture; underneath the layer of tradition, however, lies a host of paradoxical traits which indicate the true complexity of human nature. While Santiago Nasar initially appears unethical, his traits and behaviors are simply a product of a society in which machismo overshadows morality. His wealth, influence, and popularity with women enable him to hold a position of prestige; this status grants him tacit permission to conduct himself in an otherwise…show more content…
Angela takes “only the time necessary to say the name” (47) and arguably Santiago has been chosen simply by random fate; any male’s name would suffice, suggesting in a patriarchal society valuing a women strictly for virginity, all males share the blame. Angela’s appearance versus her reality is complex because while she has undeniably corrupt qualities, an admirable goodness shines through; the narrator acknowledges
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