In a five paragraph paper of about four pages, analyze the colonel’s decision not to sell the rooster to Sabas, a decision that apparently dooms the man and his wife to continued suffering. Note especially the wife’s opposition to this decision, even until the end, and tell your reader whether we are to agree with her or the colonel. Above all, tell your reader what to conclude from the story as a whole. ( I agree with the wife )
Topics to consider
What are we to make of the colonel’s optimism, his belief that his pension will soon arrive, and his constant faith in his friend Sabas? Are we to admire him or condemn him?
Note his wife’s practical character, especially her desire to reason with her husband. Note also that the two of them love each other and show affection. Consider how the colonel’s wife often takes care of the colonel and is able to maintain appearances.
Judge Sabas. He was on the colonel’s side during the previous rebellion, but now he is a wealthy man. How did he gain his wealth? How does Sabas take advantage of the colonel’s poverty? What does the doctor think of Sabas? What does the colonel think of him? Imagine what it would mean for the colonel to sell the rooster to Sabas.
When exactly does the colonel learn the rooster’s significance to the town? Why do Agustin’s friends claim that the rooster belongs to the town even though it was Agustin’s rooster? Why does the town attend the “trials”? What is the significance to the rooster to the town?
