Mark Cruz
2B
5/20/2002
The Role of Catholicism

	Throughout the vast expanse of time, religion in one form or another has played a dominant role in many cultures and societies throughout the world. From Buddhism to Islam to Christianity, religion plays an integral role in the lives of countless multitudes of people, even today. One example of the influence religion has upon the world can be found in the Catholic faith. With millions of members worldwide, the Catholic church is one of the largest religious faiths in the world. The influence of Catholicism upon members of the Catholic faith in society is no doubt present. This is especially true with members of Hispanic society, where Catholicism is undoubtedly the dominant religion. Thus, it is not surprising to note that Catholicism has played a major role in shaping much of Hispanic culture, from art to music and , most certainly literature. The influence of the Catholic faith upon literature is clearly evidenced in works such as Gabrielle Garcia Marquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold as well as Isabelle Allende’s critically acclaimed novel, The House of the Spirits. Both novels have authors who are of Hispanic origin, and thus, it comes as no surprise that Catholicism plays a major role in both works of literature. In both novels, Catholicism plays a major role not only in the lives of the characters, but also in the overall theme of the novels as well. 
	The influence of Catholicism is most evident in Marquez’s award winning Chronicle of a Death Foretold. One pertinent example of the role of Catholicism in society is found during the Bishop’s annual visit to the town. In the novel, the visit of one man is an event in itself. The presence of the Bishop warrants almost a celebration of sorts, one in which all members of the town gather by the shore wearing their best formal attire in hopes of merely catching a glimpse of the Bishop. Such behavior is indicative of the structure of the Catholic church itself. The Catholic church places moral and religious authority among figures such as priests, bishops, arch-bishops and finally the Pope. This is why the townspeople’s seemingly extravagant behavior does not come as a surprise to anyone. Furthermore, the influence of Catholicism is evident in the names of the characters. “Santiago” translates into saint, which is indicative of the fact that Santiago Nasar is not guilty of the crimes with which he is charged. “Angela” literally means Angel in Spanish, which under normal circumstances would be a symbol of purity; however, in this case the name is in sharp contrast with the character of ht person who possesses it. The fact that Angela Vicario’s behavior is anything but angelic shows Marquez’s brilliant implementation of irony as well as the fact that Angela’s purity is merely a facade. “Pedro” and “Pablo” translate into Peter an Paul, one of whom was an apostle who betrayed Jesus. This is significant because in the novel, Santiago Nasar becomes almost a Christ-like figure who dies for the sins of others, despite his own innocence.
	It is this selfsame religion that plays a major role in Isabelle Allende’s The House of the Spirits. The influence of Catholicism upon Hispanic culture is evident in the initial chapter of the book  In this chapter, it becomes evident that the Del Valle family is an atheist family. They go to church, however, merely to build a facade of piety in order to not be viewed as outcasts by s of the heavily Catholic society. Moreover, the authority of the priest is evident in the novel as well. The fiery priest wields an almost divine control over his congregation from his pulpit, essentially accusing the  of crimes which they, for the most part, do not commit. The priest ultimately accuses Clara of being a devil possessed child, a claim which most members of the congregation take seriously. The light in which the Catholic church is placed in Allende’s The House of the Spirits is indicative of her view of the Catholic church. In the novel, the church and organized religion is portrayed in an almost evil manner. More emphasis is placed upon magical entities and magic realism.