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Why Does Griselda Trace with Her Cigarette?

Published in Character Analysis 2 mins read

Griselda Blanco's distinctive habit of tracing the air with her lit cigarette is a significant symbolic gesture within the narrative, primarily serving as a coping mechanism and an escapist tactic in the face of her harsh reality. This recurring ritual offers insight into her psychological state and character complexity.

The Symbolic Meaning Behind Griselda's Tracing

Her cigarette tracing is not merely a quirk but a deliberate visual representation of her internal struggles and emotional landscape.

  • Coping Mechanism and Escapism: For Griselda, the act of tracing appears to be a way to process her thoughts, emotions, and the immense pressures of her life. It provides a momentary escape, allowing her to mentally retreat or perhaps visualize a different reality, even if just for a fleeting moment. It's a way for her to manage the stress and intense situations she frequently encounters.
  • Memory and Loss: The profound depth of this ritual is most powerfully revealed in the series finale. In a deeply poignant scene, Griselda's tracing transforms into an act of remembrance. She outlines the memories of her murdered sons, an act that underscores her profound grief and highlights the personal cost of her life choices. This particular instance shows the ritual's evolution from a general coping method to a specific manifestation of her deepest sorrow.
  • Character Complexity: The cigarette tracing ritual adds layers to Griselda's portrayal. It humanizes her, showcasing her vulnerabilities and internal world beyond her notorious public persona as a ruthless drug lord. This subtle yet powerful action reveals a woman grappling with immense loss and the consequences of her actions, making her a more multifaceted character.

The repetitive nature of this action throughout her journey emphasizes its importance as a constant in her chaotic life, a private ritual that helps her navigate the extreme circumstances she faces.