Unravelling Marginality and Masculinity: Exploring the Interplay of Gender and Power in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold

Abstract

This research paper examines the portrayal of gender prejudice and power structures in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novella, Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Set in a patriarchal society in Latin America, the story revolves around the murder of Santiago Nasar and the societal norms that perpetuate toxic masculinity and misogyny. Through a blend of magical realism and journalistic storytelling, Marquez critiques the entrenched sexism and the concept of “machismo” in the culture. The paper explores the subordination of female characters, the association of honour with female chastity, and the destructive consequences of lop-sided gender roles. The analysis highlights the marginalized position of women within the narrative and the social structures that contribute to their powerlessness. Furthermore, the paper discusses the resistance of certain female characters, challenging the prevailing norms and offering glimpses of agency and empowerment. Marquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold is a powerful critique of gender prejudice and exposes the harmful impact of gender-based social hierarchies.