Journals  (Quiz Grade)

CHOOSE FOUR ENTRIES FOR YOUR JOURNALS. Please write at least 200-350 words for each entry.  These will be submitted through turnitin.com.

1. Structure

1. STRUCTURE OF NOVELLA: Marquez’s presentation of time and space in this novella function to produce specific effects for the reader. Speculate on the five part structure of this novella. What progressions do we see in terms of character, time, and place/locale? What might be Marquez’s intention in setting up this five part structure in the way that he does? Examine the variations within the chapters as well. Do individual chapters have complementary chapter(s)? Are chapters juxtaposed for an intentional effect?

2. Word Choice

1. SYMBOLIC DICTION: Consider Garcia Marquez' use of names in the text. What does the author communicate through the name of any character or characters? Create a journal entry in which you explore Garcia' Marquez' symbolic diction of names in the novella.
2. MAGICAL REALISM: How does Marquez use magical elements that blur lines between reality and fantasy in his word choice?

3. Elements of Literature

1. RECURRING IDEAS/MOTIFS: The last line of any piece of writing can deliver or reinforce a powerful message. In the first three chapters, the author uses the last line to name Santiago Nasar and seal his fate as dead or destined to die. What message or purpose does repeating this idea serve?
2. CHARACTERIZATION: Build a quotation base for Santiago Nasser in Chapter One and one for Bayardo san Roman from Chapter Two. Then, in a paragraph, compare and contrast the initial effects produced on the reader from these presentations. How do later descriptions (chapters three - five) modify or substantiate our initial impressions of these characters?
3. MOTIF OF RELIGION AND SUPERSTITION: Consider the contrasting ideas of religion and superstition in the novel. What themes are suggested by these two contrasting ideas? How do both ideas contribute to a larger message?

4. Point of View

1. JOURNALISTIC YET BIASED PERSPECTIVE: Marquez cleverly uses literary technique of magical realism to tell his outlook on the murder of Santiago. These techniques distort the validity of the reality created by each character. Discuss the effectiveness of Marquez’ journalistic, first person point of view in revealing the surreal, uncovering of the truths of the incident in a detached, objective tone, yet clearly showing bias at the same time toward his perspective of the truth.

5. Tone

1. TONE SHIFTS: Select an instance where the tone shifts in the novel and explore what the tone indicates about theme.

6. Time and Place

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF SETTING: The setting of the novel is often described merely as"Caribbean." What connotations or associations with the word "Caribbean" might readers have that affect their understanding of the novella’s events? How does the setting of a small, coastal town contribute to the events in the novella? How does the author use these connotations to explain, justify, or clarify the events and themes of the novel?

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7. Theme

1. THEMES: Select a statement from any page in the novel and write a paragraph that explains how that statement underscores (either emphatically or ironically) one or more of the major themes of this novella.Consider topics that relate to cultural values of Latin Americans  and subjects such as honor, revenge, deception, supernatural, and gender roles.
2. ROLE OF WOMEN: The women of Santiago Nasar's town are mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, shopkeepers, nuns, whores, and spinsters. Write a journal entry examining any characteristics female characters share in the novel, and identify the author's message about women developed through these characteristics.
3. PREJUDICE: Consider the magistrate's note, "Give me a prejudice and I will move the world." Write an essay in which you connect the statement to the events of the novel, identifying the prejudices that motivate the characters and contribute to the themes of the novel.
4. TITLE OF NOVELLA: Consider the title of the novella. What is important about the foretelling of Santiago Nasar's death? What is the theme of Garcia Marquez' novel, and how do the many acts of foretelling contribute to this theme?