The Weight of All Things Historical fiction—based on the events in El Salvador following the assassination of Oscar Romero Magical realism—a blend of historical and fantastic A coming of age story—a nine-year-old boy becomes a man

La Virgen de Guadalupe “According to the traditional account, the image appeared miraculously on the cloak of Juan Diego, a simple indigenous peasant, on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City on December 12, 1531. The icon is on display in the Basilica of Guadalupe in the same locality and is regarded as Mexico's most popular religious and cultural image” (“Our Lady of Guadalupe, Wikipedia).

La Virgen Milagrosa This is an image of the statue that was so important to Nicolas. Notice her halo, hands, and loving expression.

La Ziguanaba This legend terrified Nicolas. He believed in this “madwoman…who had abandoned her small son and who, because of it, was sentenced to roam the riverbanks in search of him” (Benitez 40). She could capture Nicolas and turn him into one like her.

The Opposing Forces of War The National Army (Soldiers of el Ejercito Nacional) Paramilitary Squads (Storm Troopers) National Police Treasury Police and the National Guard The “right, claiming [they] fought against the tyranny of communism” (Benitez 18). These are the various government supported troops of El Salvador mentioned in the text. The government provides their uniforms, weapons, housing, food, and training.

In Opposition to the Government Troops are the Guerrillas FPL Popular Liberation Forces The “left” They claim to fight against the “injustice of the oligarchs and militarists” (Benitez 18). They take what they need from the people and from the government troops they capture, kill, or raid. They are poorly supplied.