The novel opens by suggesting that Colonel Aureliano will eventually stand before a firing squad. This narrative technique, known as foreshadowing, is used throughout the story to emphasize the concurrent and unavoidable nature of events. The reference to Colonel Aureliano’s firing squad also acts as a motif of recurring memories. Another example of foreshadowing is present when Fernanda comments about Mauricio Babilonia, "You can see in his face that he's going to die," despite not yet knowing he is her daughter Meme’s lover. Fernanda’s guard, assigned to capture a supposed "chicken thief," ultimately shoots and paralyzes him.