Topic one discussed the role of social class specifically seen through the interaction of Bayardo San Román with Xius.  There were four classes in Columbia: upper class, middle class, lower class and the masses.  Since Bayardo’s father had a  high military status he inherited not only his wealth but status in society. Bayardo, because of his surplus of money, is an example of someone associated with “old wealth” upper class.  With such surplus brings respect. By having an understanding of the power of  Bayardo’s social class I understand why his interaction with Xius turned out the way it did. It was the societal norm that the lower class respect the upper class.  Since Bayardo was of the elite class he ultimately used his money to pave his way. Societal norm dictated that Xius would be obligated to give respect to Bayardo.  Bayardo’s social class permitted him to have the upper hand in the situation.  Without his social class leverage and money advantages it was unlikely that he would of ended up with Xius’ house.Topic two discussed machismo and how it relates to honor. Machismo is a key part of Chronicle of a Death Foretold and is exhibited best through the Vicario brothers killing of Santiago. The brothers did not necessarily want to kill Santiago but their masculine pride caused them to defend their family.  The brothers decided to kill Santiago in order to restore honor to the family.  A perfect representation of being manly and protecting/defending your family.  The definition of machismo.  I understand that machismo is the reason for why the male characters are so concerned with keeping or restoring honor. Without bringing honor to the family name the men would be  seen as weak and not manly.  If the brothers were killed in the process of attempting to kill Santiago they would be awarded the status of honor regardless of the outcome.  If no effort was made to kill him they would of been perceived as disgracing their family’s name and would be considered weak. The presence of machismo makes the Vicario brothers feel that they have to be extremely assertive, powerful, and overall masculine in order to prove superiority. By proving superiority to women and other men they bring honor to their family.