Chapter one basically sets up the whole case of the murder mystery of Santiago Nasar, but it's surprising how in chapter two, Marquez delves into as much or even more depth into the character of Bayardo San Roman, indicating his key role in the novel. I was relieved that more time was spent explaining his looks, personality, and his past through the dialogue and perspectives of numerous characters because I was getting tired of having to keep up with the constant shift of characters and their roles. I found a similar pattern between the narrator's portrayal of Nasar and Bayardo San Roman, at first he gives a positive and attractive first impression but then reveals the darker side of the character proving that you can never trust your first impression of anyone. Here are the two prominent examples of how a flowery and charming first impression eventually turns into the realization of something darker:
Magdalena Oliver
"He looked like a fairy," she told me. "And it was a pity, because I could have buttered him and eaten him alive." She wasn't the only one who thought so, nor was she the last to realize that Bayardo San Roman was not a man to be known at first sight." (26)
Narrator's Mother
"Only a long time after the unfortunate wedding did she confess to me that she actually knew him when it was already too late to correct the October letter, and that his golden eyes had caused the shudder of a fear in her." (28)
DISNEY EXAMPLE OF "CHARMING"
Source: http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131219154141/the-mystery-case-files/images/7/77/Shrek_Prince_Charming.jpg
Besides charming first impressions taking a darker turn, I've also noticed how the narrator often compared the act of playing a game of cards as dealing the cards which destiny gives you in life. The Colombian culture of superstitions and divine prophecies which reflect the title itself, Chronicle of a Death Foretold does reflect the nature of playing a game of cards and how you rely on your fate and destiny, some even argue luck also plays an important role in determining your prophecy.
Life as a game of cards (41):
Source: https://24.media.tumblr.com/989a185048f61ff2ac4075abab16e6e0/tumblr_mf1aeohw401qdunk8o1_500.gif
"My mother was the only one who appreciated as an act of courage the fact that she had played out her marked cards to the final consequences."
"But no one knew what cards Bayardo San Roman was playing."
"Nor was it known what cards Santiago Nasar was playing."
What other cards will be dealt later on in the novel and who else will be joining the game?
I'm actually looking forward to the next chapter and inspecting other clues that the narrator will reveal to us in order to piece this shattered mystery back together. It's clear that Bayardo San Roman is no man to be fooled with but does he have another role in this mystery besides just being the wealthy man who can buy anything to get what he wants including a wife (whom he returned upon knowing she was no longer a virgin)? Is Santiago Nasar also somehow tangled in this dark mystery?
It's an interesting observation you make about how dealing cards is like making choices. There's definitely been a lot of mention about superstition. A lot of the characters seem to feel something suspicious or wrong whenever a bad event is about to happen. However, it's uncertain whether they actually felt that way at that time or whether or not they are just making it up to suit the atmosphere of the story. It's also interesting to see how the two Vicario brothers was quite friendly with Santiago Nasar during the wedding but somehow managed to kill him the following day. It shows how honor is such a big thing within Colombian culture. Another thing is whether or not San Roman could be considered as the cause of Nasar's death since he's actions sort of led to Angela Vicario's confession of Nasar's bad deeds. If he wasn't responsible and was just a victim of a dishonorable marriage, then why is he described in such negative detail? Like you said, what is his role in the book?
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