The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World

The story takes place within one day in a small coastal village in South America (specifically, Latin America). How does García Márquez use imagery and mythology to frame the story’s setting? Subsequently, how does the setting support the development of the story’s themes?

Using textual support, identify three literary devices and explore how García Márquez’s use of figurative language shapes the narrative.

“The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” alludes to several mythologized figures: Estevanico, Lautaro, and Quetzalcoatl. Conduct research on one of these corresponding myths and write an essay comparing the drowned man to the mythological figure you’ve chosen. How are they similar? How do they differ? Did your research change your understanding of the text?