In Chapters 1 and 5, the narrator stops putting dates on his diary entries. What does this suggest about how his relationship to time changes as he moves between urbanized and “natural” environments?

The narrator’s search for creative renewal leads him to self-awareness and disillusionment. To what degree are these emotionally difficult experiences presented as necessary preconditions for creativity?

Carpentier densely layers allusions to classical literature, mythology, composers, and historical quests. What function do these allusions serve within the narrative?