Shows how a society's cultural beliefs can lead to a murder that people think is right, all because a woman lost her virginity before marriage. What's even more surprising is that the Vicario brothers committed murder even though they didn't want to and didn't have enough evidence. Using Maria Alejandrina Cervantes to show the importance of gender roles and honor in society, Márquez effectively shows how an independent woman can defy cultural and social expectations, while still being a decent human being. Shows how, although Maria is looked down upon by society because she is a prostitute, she is still a good person without following society's rules.