A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings Short Story
A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings is a short story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Colombian writer, and Nobel laureate. The story was first published in 1955 and has since become a classic of magical realism. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the story, exploring its themes, characters, and symbols.
The Plot
The story is set in a small coastal town in South America, where a very old man with enormous wings is discovered lying in a muddy courtyard. The man is initially thought to be an angel, but his appearance is far from divine. He is dirty, bedraggled, and has wings that are more like those of a bird than an angel.
The news of the angel's arrival spreads quickly, and people from all over the town come to see him. Many are skeptical of his identity, and some even suggest that he is a freak of nature rather than an angel. A local priest, Father Gonzaga, is summoned to verify the angel's identity but is unable to do so conclusively.
The angel is eventually taken in by a couple, Pelayo and Elisenda, who use him as a source of income by charging people to see him. The angel becomes a tourist attraction, and people come from far and wide to see him. However, as time passes, the novelty of the angel wears off, and people lose interest in him. Pelayo and Elisenda become increasingly frustrated with the angel's presence and begin to see him as a burden.
One day, a carnival comes to town, featuring a woman who has been transformed into a spider. The spider-woman becomes the new attraction, and the angel is forgotten. Pelayo and Elisenda decide to get rid of the angel by setting him adrift on a raft. As he flies away, the angel seems to regain his strength and flies off into the horizon.
Themes
The story explores several themes, including the nature of faith, the power of the supernatural, and the meaning of humanity. One of the central themes of the story is the nature of faith. The townspeople's reaction to the angel reflects their different levels of faith. Some believe he is a divine being, while others are skeptical of his identity.
The story also explores the power of the supernatural. The angel's arrival disrupts the natural order of things, and his presence has a profound effect on the townspeople. The supernatural is portrayed as both awe-inspiring and terrifying, reflecting the ambiguity of our relationship with the unknown.
The story also explores the meaning of humanity. The townspeople's treatment of the angel reflects their own humanity. Some are compassionate and caring, while others are greedy and selfish. The story suggests that our humanity is defined by our interactions with others and our ability to show compassion.
Characters
The story features several memorable characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The most prominent characters include the very old man with enormous wings, Father Gonzaga, Pelayo, and Elisenda.
The very old man with enormous wings is the central character of the story. Despite his appearance, he is portrayed as a kind and gentle being who inspires both wonder and fear in the townspeople.
Father Gonzaga is the local priest who is summoned to verify the angel's identity. He is skeptical of the angel's claims and is ultimately unable to provide a definitive answer to the townspeople's questions.
Pelayo and Elisenda are a couple who take in the angel and use him as a source of income. They are portrayed as selfish and greedy, more interested in making money than in the welfare of the angel.
Symbols
The story features several symbols that add depth and meaning to the narrative. One of the most prominent symbols is the angel's wings. The wings are a powerful symbol of freedom and transcendence, representing the angel's ability to rise above the earthly plane.
The mud in which the angel is discovered is also a symbol, representing the world's imperfections and the angel's connection to the earth.
The carnival that arrives in town is a symbol of the transitory nature of life and the fleeting nature of fame and fortune.
Conclusion
A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings is a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores the nature of faith, the power of the supernatural, and the meaning of humanity. Through its memorable characters and powerful symbols, the story challenges us to question our own beliefs and to reflect on the meaning and purpose of our lives.