The Emblem of Blood and Honor Anonymous 12th Grade

Words possess the mystical ability to convey universal ideas and themes of humankind, a fascinating phenomenon in literature that has intrigued readers for centuries. When the author puts down his pen and the last word has been written, the words seem to transform and interact with each other to create a nonpareil masterpiece encompassing far more philosophical values than its creator had perhaps initially intended. The philosophical elements that transcend the social commentary, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, are unconsciously interweaved into the novel through Marquez’s depiction of characters, events, and most essentially, symbolism. Marquez uses modernistic and unconventional symbols to present to readers multifaceted themes and infinite possibilities of interpretation. The symbols of Maria Cervantes from the brothel and blood are both paramount in bringing to light the prominent distinction between gender roles, deep-rooted beliefs of Latin American society.

Marquez’s depiction of Maria Cervantes’s brothel as an utopia is integral in understanding their community’s perspective on the role of women. Traditionally, the belief of marianismo encouraged females in Spanish society to embrace their moral and spiritual strength,...