Structure

The short story “Death Constant Beyond Love” by Gabriel García Márquez has a traditional, chronological structure. The main events take place over the course of a day, from morning to evening, and follow Senator Onésimo Sánchez’ usual stop in Rosal del Virrey. 

The beginning of the story introduces the main characters, the setting, and captures the reader’s attention: “Senator Onésimo Sanchez had six months and eleven days to go before his death when he found the woman of his life. He met her in Rosal del Virrey, an illusory village…” (p. 77, ll. 1-4). The narrative plays upon the readers’ expectations and creates suspense around the Senator’s impending death. Moreover, the beginning of the story also contains a foreshadowing element that sugges...