Chronicle of a Death Foretold: Chapter 2 & 3 Reading Guide

Chronicle of a Death Foretold: Chapter 2 & 3

English 10 World Literature

Chapter 2 Reading Guide

Vocabulary
  • Novice: A beginner.
  • Superfluous: Excessive or unnecessary.
  • Consecrated: Made or declared sacred.
  • Languid: Weak or faint from illness or fatigue.
  • Demented: Driven to behave irrationally due to anger, distress, or excitement.
  • Conjectures: Opinions formed on incomplete information.
  • Consolation: Comfort after a loss.
  • Martyrdom: Suffering death for one’s beliefs.
  • Impertinence: Lack of respect or rudeness.
  • Consummated: Completed or achieved.
Questions
  1. Angela’s Husband: Bayardo San Roman, who arrived six months prior, is Angela Vicario’s new husband. Around thirty, he appears younger due to his slim waist and striking golden eyes.
  2. Bayardo’s Background: Bayardo hails from a wealthy family, distinguished by his charm and good looks. He quickly becomes the center of attention.
  3. Bayardo’s Reputation: Known for his wealth and charm, Bayardo is admired for his confidence and appearance, making him popular, especially among women.
  4. First Impressions: Angela is both excited and nervous upon meeting Bayardo, impressed by his confidence. The narrator also notes Bayardo’s captivating presence.
  5. Bayardo’s Determination: His statement, “When I wake up, remind me that I’m going to marry her,” reveals his confidence and unwavering intention to marry Angela.
  6. Angela at the Bazaar: Angela feels a mix of curiosity and apprehension upon first seeing Bayardo, captivated by his appearance and confidence.
  7. The Music Box: The Vicario twins attempt to return the music box, finding it too extravagant and fearing unwanted attention. However, they ultimately keep it.
  8. “Perfect” Sisters: The Vicario sisters are deemed “perfect” due to their beauty and upbringing, reflecting the village’s high expectations and the pressure to conform.
  9. Mother’s Reaction: Angela’s mother reacts with shame and disappointment to Bayardo returning Angela, concerned about their family’s reputation and social standing.
  10. Buying Xius’s House: Bayardo’s purchase of the widower Xius’s house demonstrates his seriousness about settling down with Angela and building a future together.
  11. Double Standards: The village holds differing expectations for men and women regarding relationships. Men are allowed more freedom, while women face harsher judgment, highlighting societal inequalities.
  12. Symbolism of Flowers: The flowers likely symbolize beauty and love’s fragility, suggesting the delicate and potentially fleeting nature of romantic relationships.

Chapter 3 Reading Guide

Vocabulary
  • Barbarous: Extremely cruel or savage.
  • Feigned: Pretended or faked.
  • Intermittent: Occurring at irregular intervals.
  • Predisposed: Having a natural tendency.
  • Spontaneous: Occurring naturally without premeditation.
  • Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time.
  • Mulatto: A person of mixed racial heritage.
  • Illusory: Based on an illusion; not real.
  • Matrimonial: Relating to marriage.
  • Phosphorescent: Emitting light without heat.
Questions
  1. Father Amador’s Reaction: Father Amador expresses sympathy for the Vicario brothers, attributing their actions to a misguided sense of honor, without fully condemning them.
  2. Brothers’ Prison Reputation: The Vicario brothers gain respect in prison, viewed as men of honor who defended their family, demonstrating the influence of cultural values.
  3. Religious/Violent Imagery: The chapter uses imagery of blood, knives, and honor, creating tension and emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
  4. “Death More Foretold”: The phrase “There had never been a death more foretold” signifies the town’s awareness of the impending murder yet their collective inaction, highlighting themes of fate and community failure.
  5. Ignoring the Threats: People dismiss the brothers’ threats due to their established good reputation, disbelieving their capacity for violence and ignoring warning signs.
  6. Faustino’s Comment: Faustino Santos’s remark about other rich people deserving death suggests resentment towards Santiago’s wealth and a lack of empathy for his plight.
  7. Clotilde’s Fear: Clotilde Armenta’s observation that the twins looked like children, capable of anything, underscores the potential for unexpected violence from seemingly innocent individuals.
  8. Brothers’ Eagerness: The brothers display mixed feelings. Pedro remains determined, while Pablo expresses doubt and reluctance to kill.
  9. Conflicting Attitudes: Pablo questions the necessity of the killing, while Pedro firmly believes it’s necessary to uphold family honor, revealing their contrasting perspectives.
  10. Father Amador’s Excuse: Father Amador justifies his inaction by claiming it’s not his responsibility, deferring to civil authorities, ultimately contributing to the tragedy.