Guilt is a pretty heavy feeling. It means that you are responsible for something that has gone wrong; that you've probably done a terrible thing. Guilt is so serious that we are not allowed to call someone guilty until a long and drawn out legal process has occurred. But the law is not enough to absolve the town in Chronicle of a Death Foretold of its guilt. Even after the court doors close, the members of the town have to come to terms with the roles they all played in Santiago's murder. Even though everyone knows who murdered Santiago, culpability for his death extends far further than the hands that were holding the knives.
Questions About Guilt and Blame
- What excuses do the townspeople give for not stopping the twins from killing Santiago in Chronicle of a Death Foretold? Are they legitimate excuses? Why or why not?
- How do the townspeople In Chronicle of a Death Foretold react to the murder? Who feels guilt? Who doesn't?
- Who do you think is responsible for Santiago's death in Chronicle of a Death Foretold? Why?
Chew on This
The whole town is to blame for Santiago's murder in Chronicle of a Death Foretold.
Blame is not assigned to the correct people in Chronicle of a Death Foretold.