A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
First published in Spanish in 1955 and later included in his 1968 collection of short stories, Leaf Storm and Other Stories, “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” is a short story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is a work of magical realism, presenting an event from the life of a very old man with wings. He appears in a small town and meets a happy welcome out of th curious public, but eventually faces fear and exploitation. The story has become one of Marquez’s most popular works, translated into many languages and widely studied and analyzed in literature courses around the world. It is often cited as a prime example of magical realism and has influenced numerous writers to follow in Marquez’s footsteps.
Main Events in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- The story begins with the discovery of a very old man with enormous wings who appears in a small town. A couple, Pelayo and Elisenda, finds him in their courtyard, and express their amazement at his appearance.
- The townspeople soon come to know about the presence of the old man, and throng to see him for themselves. They feel fascinated by his wings, but quickly lose interest when they realize that he is unable to communicate with them.
- Meanwhile, a carnival arrives and the old man becomes the main attraction. People pay to see him, and Pelayo and Elisenda start charging admission fees to their courtyard to make money.
- A neighbor woman, who claims to have the power to communicate with angels, comes to see the old man and declares that he is an angel who has come to take their sick child to heaven. However, the old man seems indifferent to the child and does not attempt to fly away.
- As time goes on, the old man becomes increasingly weak and ill. Pelayo and Elisenda stop charging admission fees to their courtyard and consider getting rid of him altogether.
- A spider-woman appears in the town and becomes the new attraction, drawing people away from the old man. The old man is eventually moved to the chicken coop.
- Despite his deteriorating condition, the old man remains a mystery. Some people believe that he is an angel, while others feel convinced that he is a fraud.
- One day, a doctor comes to see the old man and concludes that he is simply a very old man with wings. He recommends that the old man be treated like any other patient and given medicine. However, when Father Gonzaga is consulted, he feels unable to identify and asks the people that he would tell them after consulting authorities in Rome.
- Eventually, the old man regains his strength and flies away, leaving behind only a few feathers. Pelayo and Elisenda are left with mixed emotions, wondering whether the old man was really an angel or not.
- The story ends with the implication that the old man’s appearance was just one of many strange and unexplainable occurrences in the town, suggesting that the line between reality and fantasy is blurry and indistinct.
Literary Devices in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Allegory: A narrative that uses symbolic characters and events to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. Example: The old man with wings is an allegory for the struggle between faith and reason.
- Allusion: A reference to a person, place, or event outside of the story that the author expects the reader to recognize. Example: The mention of the “miracles” performed by the Virgin Mary alludes to religious mythology.
- Foreshadowing: A literary device that hints at events or outcomes to come later in the story. Example: The appearance of the angel foreshadows the arrival of other supernatural beings.
- Imagery: Descriptive language that creates a vivid mental picture in the reader’s mind. Example: “His pitiful condition of a drenched great-grandfather took away any sense of grandeur he might have had.”
- Irony: A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. Example: The fact that the townspeople are more interested in seeing the spider woman than the angel they once admired is ironic.
- Metaphor: A comparison between two unlike things without using the words “like” or “as.” Example: The angel is compared to a “huge decrepit hen” in his appearance.
- Mood: The overall emotional tone or atmosphere of a piece of writing. Example: The story creates a somber and mysterious mood through its use of dark, surreal imagery.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human entities. Example: The weather is personified as bad-tempered and vindictive.
- Point of view: The perspective from which a story is told. Example: “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” has been told from a third-person omniscient point of view.
- Satire: The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize society or human behavior. Example: The portrayal of the townspeople’s greed and obsession with spectacle is satirical.
- Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using the words “like” or “as.” Example: The old man, in the end, is presented as “the feathers of a scarecrow, which looked more like another misfortune of decreptitude.”
- Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Example: The angel’s wings symbolize freedom and divine grace.
- Tone: The author’s attitude towards the subject matter or audience. Example: The story’s tone is both critical and empathetic toward human nature.
- Verisimilitude: The appearance of being true or real within the context of the story. Example: The realistic portrayal of the characters and setting makes the magical elements of the story more believable.
- Irony of situation: A contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens in a situation. Example: The fact that the angel is a disappointment to the townspeople despite his supernatural nature is an example of irony of situation.
Characterization in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Major Characters:
- The Old Man with Enormous Wings: The titular character of the story, the old man with enormous wings is a mysterious figure who appears in a small town. He is old and ragged, with enormous wings initially believed to be an angel. He does not speak and seems to be in a weakened state, but he endures the townspeople’s curiosity and exploitation.
- Pelayo: Pelayo is the first person to discover the old man with enormous wings. He and his wife Elisenda initially feel wonder at the old man’s wings and the potential for profit that his presence could bring. However, as the old man becomes more of a burden, Pelayo begins to question his own motives and the old man’s true identity.
- Elisenda: Elisenda is Pelayo’s wife and the other person who discovers the old man with enormous wings. She is initially fascinated by the old man’s wings and the potential for making money by exhibiting him to the townspeople. However, as the old man’s condition deteriorates, Elisenda becomes increasingly conflicted about her own feelings towards him.
Minor Characters:
- The Villagers: The villagers are the townspeople who come to see the old man with enormous wings. They initially feel fascinated by his wings and believe that he is an angel. However, as the novelty wears off, they become bored and indifferent toward him. Some of them even mock, mistreat and torture him.
- Father Gonzaga: Father Gonzaga is the local priest consulted about the old man with enormous wings. He is skeptical of the old man’s identity and does not believe that he is an angel. He sends a letter to the bishop to seek confirmation, but the response is inconclusive.
- The Spider-Woman: The spider-woman is a new attraction who appears in town, drawing people away from the old man with enormous wings. She is described as having the body of a tarantula and the head of a woman. Like the old man, she is a strange and unexplainable presence in the town.
- The Neighbor Woman: The neighbor woman is a local woman who claims to have the power to communicate with angels. She comes to see the old man with enormous wings and declares that he is an angel who has come to take their sick child to heaven. Her pronouncement adds to the confusion and speculation surrounding the old man’s identity.
Writing Style in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s writing style in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” shows magical realism, blending the fantastic and the mundane to create a world that is both familiar and surreal. Vivid imagery and lyrical language convey sensory details and enhance the story’s dreamlike quality, with metaphors and similes creating powerful and evocative descriptions. The language’s rhythm and flow draw the reader in, making for a rich and immersive reading experience. Overall, Marquez’s writing style creates a world that is both strange and familiar, captivating the reader with its wonder and mystery.
Major Themes in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a short story that is rich in themes. Some of the major themes in the story include:
- The Limitations of Human Perception: Throughout the story, Marquez questions the limits of human perception and understanding. For example, when the townspeople first see the old man with wings, they assume he is a fallen angel, but when he fails to live up to their expectations of what an angel should be like, they quickly lose interest. The narrator notes, “Pelayo and Elisenda were happy with fatigue, for in less than a week they had crammed their rooms with money and the line of pilgrims waiting their turn to enter still reached beyond the horizon.” This highlights how easily humans can be distracted by superficial things and how they often fail to recognize true value and beauty.
- The Complexities of Human Nature: Marquez explores the multifaceted nature of human beings and the ways in which their desires, fears, and prejudices shape their behavior. For instance, the townspeople’s reactions to the old man with wings vary from curiosity and awe to fear and hostility. Some see him as a miraculous being, while others view him as a threat. This reflects the complexity of human nature and the ways in which people’s perceptions are shaped by their personal experiences and biases.
- The Power of Symbols: Marquez emphasizes the power of symbols and their ability to evoke deep emotions and reactions. The old man’s wings, for instance, represent both beauty and terror, freedom and captivity. The townspeople’s reactions to the wings reveal their underlying beliefs and desires, such as their fascination with the supernatural and their fear of the unknown. This underscores the importance of symbols in shaping human culture and identity.
- The Need for Compassion and Empathy: Marquez suggests that compassion and empathy are essential qualities that can help us connect with others and find meaning in life. While many of the townspeople treat the old man with wings as a spectacle, Pelayo and Elisenda show him kindness and take care of him. Their actions demonstrate the power of compassion and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. As the narrator notes, “They did not have the heart to club him to death.” This highlights the transformative potential of empathy and the capacity of human beings to connect with one another, despite their differences.
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Magical Realism: Marquez’s use of magical realism in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” blurs the line between the real and the fantastic, creating a world that is both familiar and surreal. For example, the old man’s wings are a fantastical element that clash with the otherwise realistic setting, but the townspeople’s reactions to them are depicted as commonplace and mundane.
- Symbolism: The old man with enormous wings can be interpreted as a symbol of various things, such as hope, faith, or the unknown. For instance, his wings can be seen as a symbol of freedom and spirituality, but also as a symbol of alienation and otherness.
- Postcolonialism: The story can be interpreted through a postcolonial lens, as it is set in a small Latin American town and depicts the exploitation of a marginalized and exoticized character. For example, the old man can be seen as a representation of indigenous peoples who were colonized and marginalized, while the townspeople can be seen as a representation of the colonizers.
- Existentialism: The story can be analyzed through an existentialist lens, focusing on the human search for meaning and the absurdity of existence. For instance, the townspeople’s reactions to the old man’s presence and their attempts to rationalize his existence can be seen as a reflection of the human need to understand the unknown.
- Feminist Theory: The story can also be analyzed through a feminist lens, as it portrays the exploitation and marginalization of female characters. For example, Elisenda’s treatment of the old man and her desire to profit from his presence can be seen as a reflection of the ways in which women are often forced to use their bodies for financial gain in a patriarchal society.
- Structuralism: The story can be interpreted through a structuralist lens, focusing on the underlying structures and patterns of the narrative. For instance, the recurring motifs of wings and feathers throughout the story can be seen as a reflection of the story’s underlying themes of freedom and captivity, hope and despair.
Essay Questions and Thesis Statements about “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- How does Gabriel Garcia Marquez use magical realism to create a sense of wonder and mystery in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”?
Thesis statement: By blending the fantastic with the mundane, Marquez creates a world that is both familiar and surreal, drawing the reader into a world of wonder and mystery that challenges traditional notions of reality.
- What is the significance of the title “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” and how does it relate to the themes of the story?
Thesis statement: The title “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” reflects the story’s exploration of themes such as otherness, faith, and the limitations of organized religion, as well as the power of imagination and the resilience of the human spirit.
- In “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” how does Gabriel Garcia Marquez use the character of Elisenda to explore the themes of greed and corruption?
Thesis statement: By depicting Elisenda’s desire for wealth and power and her exploitation of the old man’s wings, Marquez critiques the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of power, ultimately showing the negative consequences of putting personal gain above compassion and humanity.
- What is the significance of the townspeople’s reactions to the old man’s wings in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”?
Thesis statement: The varying reactions of the townspeople to the old man’s wings reflect the story’s exploration of themes such as faith and doubt, otherness and marginalization, and the complexities of human existence.
- How does Gabriel Garcia Marquez use the setting of the story in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” to convey deeper meaning and symbolism?
Thesis statement: Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism in the setting of the story, such as the decaying houses and the muddy courtyard, Marquez creates a rich and immersive world that reflects the story’s exploration of themes such as decay, transformation, and resilience.
- In “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” how does Gabriel Garcia Marquez use the old man’s wings as a symbol to explore themes of transformation and the power of the miraculous?
Thesis statement: Through the symbolism of the old man’s wings, Marquez explores the themes of transformation and the power of the miraculous to challenge our perceptions of reality and the limits of the human spirit.
Short Questions-Answers “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- How would you characterize Father Gonzaga? Refer to the text.
In “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” Gabriel Garcia Marquez portrays Father Gonzaga as a religious figure in the village who holds strong opinions. Upon encountering the old man with wings, he greets him in Latin but dismisses him as an imposter when he responds in his own dialect. Father Gonzaga declares the old man a devil and promises to write to higher religious authorities to determine his case. This demonstrates how ordinary individuals, with a little bit of knowledge, can assume religious authority and offer opinions on topics beyond their understanding, turning to higher authorities when necessary.
- Garcia Marquez’s fiction has been described as magical realism. Comment on the label and his short story.
Magical realism is a literary theory that incorporates magical elements into realistic settings to explore how people react to the fantastical. In “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” Marquez introduces the magical character of an old man with wings into the real-world setting of a village, sparking public curiosity and debate. Various individuals offer their opinions on the old man’s identity, including Father Gonzaga, who deems him a devil. The villagers’ fascination with the old man’s unusual appearance highlights their interest in the fantastical, even as they continue to go about their daily lives.
- How is the view of the angel in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” a thoroughly modern (or postmodern) one?
The portrayal of the angel in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” is thoroughly modern, as Gabriel Garcia Marquez uses the figure to evaluate the public’s reactions. The villagers are focused on their own lives and interests, largely ignoring the old man’s suffering despite his otherworldly appearance. The couple who discovers him, Pelayo and Elisenda, charge pilgrims to see him and accumulate wealth without paying attention to his needs. Their callous attitude toward the old man reflects the modern idea of individualism, where people prioritize their own needs above those of others. The son of Pelayo and Elisenda also recovers, and other miracles occur, further highlighting how the villagers are only interested in the benefits that the old man’s presence brings to them.
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