In “The Eclipse,” Augusto Monterroso uses vivid imagery to depict a primitive Mayan civilization. These ferocious and wild images depict a society far more savage than the cultivated European public. Monterroso uses this imagery to set the stage for his irony at the end of the story where he questions which society is truly wiser.

Before Brother Bartolome Arrazola met his sacrificial death, he tried to reason with the Natives of the Guatemalan Jungle to not go through with their plan. He stated that his death would bring upon the darkening of the sun, an impending eclipse. This usage of imagery describing the darkening of the sun portrays a negative, sinister connotation. It portrays how Arrazola believed his knowledge of this astrological event would help save his life from a tragic end. He believed that because he was taught Aristotle’s teachings, he had an advantage over this group of people who lived in a jungle, an uncivilized habitat where they couldn’t possibly gather this type of intellect.

Monterroso successfully continues to use imagery to help the audience create a mental picture of the text. He does this when he describes what is happening to Bartolome in the Guatemalan Jungle. The short story vividly describes, “Upon awakening he found himself surrounded by a group of indifferent natives who were getting ready to sacrifice him in front of an altar.” This helps the reader create a gruesome image of what is going on in the text. Another example from the text that one may imagine and view horrifically, is when, “Brother Bartolone Arrazola’s heart spilled its fiery blood on the sacrificial stone.” This paints a violent image; the reader can imagine how Bartolome’s blood flows as a consequence of this violent act. Monterroso’s portrayal of imagery of the Native’s sacrificial act allows the reader to view the Natives as a savage sort.

The imagery in the short story “The Eclipse,” by Augusto Monterroso portrays the brutal and boisterous nature of Mayan civilization in contrast to the orderly European society. Through colorful depictions and vivid images, Monterroso differentiates both civilizations yet, despite this, ironically presents the thirst for knowledge and advancement in a world much bigger than both the Mayans and the Spaniards.