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1. What is the time setting of the Prologue of the novel?

The Prologue of the novel takes place in one day, spanning from a little before noon until the sun has set. The novel tells us that it is September 8, 1948 and that the married couple of Ignacio and Blanca Aguero are in Zapatos Swamp.

2. Why are Ignacio and Blana in the swamp at the opening of the novel?

Ignacio and Blana are a married team of naturalists who are deep in the Cuban swamp searching for the elusive ruddy duck. Once they have captured the bird, Ignacio and Blanca are hoping to sell it to a new museum opening in Boston.

3. What happens when Ignacio and Blanca stop searching the swamp and decide to take a rest?

Around noon, the two become exhausted from their trek and decide to take a break. While she is wiping the sweat from her brow, Blanca feels a small animal fly past her neck. When she sees it is the rare bee hummingbird, she turns to tell her husband. When she turns, she sees that her husband has his shotgun pointed right at her face. He fires.

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