Maria+Alejandrina+Cervantes


 * **Character’s Name:** || María Alejandria Cervantes ||
 * **Character’s Role in novel:** || In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ __Chronicle of a Death Foretold__, while the character of María did contribute majorly to the plot of the novel, she was an important character in the eyes of Santiago Nasar. María Alejandria Cervantes was a prostitute who dazzled Santiago Nasar’s and became his “mad passion, his mistress of tears at the age of fifteen” (65). Santiago’s sexual relationship with María was one of the two that was publicly known by the town. María Alejandria Cervantes had a serious affection, and held much respect for Santiago Nasar (ex. refused to go to bed with someone if he was present). In the novel, she was one of the important females in his life. ||
 * **Significance of name:** || To get the proper, most accurate meaning of María Alejandria Cervantes’ full name I researched each section of her name (first, middle, last) separately:

Her first name, María, is the Latin form of Greek Μαρια, from Hebrew מִרְיָם. It is interesting to note that María in many European languages, such as English, has a common spelling of Mary. We can relate this translation, from María to Mary, to Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene was a prostitute who became a follower of Jesus Christ. It has also been suspected that Mary Magdalene was Jesus Christ’s lover.
 * María**

Alejandria is of Greek origin and holds the meaning of “man’s defender”. Alejandria is the feminine form of Alexander who, in Greek Mythology, was a Mycenaean epithet of the goddess Hera. Alejandria was also a name that was held by several early Christian saints.
 * Alejandria**

Cervantes is an old name with a long history. It is generally accepted as a religious name which was given to particular followers of a prophet. When translated, Cervantes means 'the servant (of the lord)' as ‘servanto’ in Spanish translates to ‘servant’ in English.
 * Cervantes**

It is interesting to note the relations between María Alejandria Cervantes’ name and Christianity. Her first name, María, which indirectly compares her to Mary Magdalene, illustrates her romantic relationship with Santiago Nasar as well as the place she held in his life. María Alejandria Cervantes’ middle name, Alejandria, illustrates her as a Christian Saint and “man’s defender”. In the novel, her occupation as a prostitute somewhat contradicts this label as a ‘Saint’. However, this reference acts to support that María was chosen by Marquez to represent Mary Magdalene, who, also being a prostitute, is a recognized Saint by the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Churches. María’s last name, Cervantes, illustrates her purpose: to serve. In the novel, María acted as a prostitute, serving men including Santiago Nasar. We note the ‘serious affection’ she had for him, as well as her refusal to bed men in his presence, illustrating her respect and dedication towards him. ||