LITERATURE, as a symbolic process has often challenged the norms and social conventions which have been devised for the benefit of the rulers, those in power—usually those with money Without artists and writers or political leaders who deviate from the “status quo” our human civilization is continually threatened—those who cannot adapt to social change inevitably will perish—and take down many others along with them. Any civilization is a process of on-going social evolution. But those in power often struggle to make sure they stay in power, often at the expense of others in that society.

QUESTION

LITERATURE, as a symbolic process has often challenged the norms and social conventions which have been devised for the benefit of the rulers, those in power—usually those with money Without artists and writers or political leaders who deviate from the “status quo” our human civilization is continually threatened—those who cannot adapt to social change inevitably will perish—and take down many others along with them. Any civilization is a process of on-going social evolution. But those in power often struggle to make sure they stay in power, often at the expense of others in that society.

Much of our daily social interaction reveal human desires and needs reflected in the operating rules of any civilization; those controlling forces of society dictates norms, approved conventions and proper behavior. (Such as rules of courtship and dating, taking care of one’s community, family life, building a home, going to work, caring for the children, etc.)

Following the rules is most often a service to society, in one way—but critical thinking, at least in the hearts of writers and artists— allow us to evolve, make change and question the status quo that may eventually oppress us. In order to communicate a social critique or invite an audience to speculate change or discover the problems within the establisher order, artists and writers create codes or a symbolic language—often using exaggeration or literary hyperbole to make a point –raising questions about ordinary or accepted behavior
The story A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez operates within a society that enforces behavioral expectations for the characters—although each of them make choices or decisions– with the context of their social milieu or personality—crafted by the author, in modern stories – also within the dynamic context of opposing forces. These stories are also shaped as a representation of the writer’s comments or questions about that society. Sometimes we’re offered heroes who go through a transformation or journey as a form of catharsis. Parables and allegories provide characters who symbolically represent those conflicts and opposing forces that are present within many of us –especially in this country—a society that wants us to conform as well as rebel. Stories offer us the power to question and in doing so, provides a variety of lessons or messages.
The narrative offers readers an opportunity to gain power and feel connected to others by examining repressive rules, conventions or rulers; sometimes the conflict is often a question of embracing modernity/social change while upholding traditions.

For this midterm writing assignment, consider how one story is constructed to reveal, question and assert a social critique or analyze human behavior. You might focus on character development, social context, physical setting, emotional tone, dialogue, flow of imagery and symbolic details. How does the title work to inform the piece you’ve chosen? What comments can you make about the appropriateness of point of view? How does your selected piece deal with social criticism through its use of the elements of story, narrative, or allegory? Additionally, each writer has included intentional symbolic elements meant to enrich thematic and plot trajectory, or shape of the story unfolding. These details lend credibility to your interpretation, so do not forget to include them in your analysis. It’s effective to provide an overview or summary, but don’t ¬simply write a summary; rather directly refer to specific instances of the text that make the piece effective and interesting –as a literary work that explores the issues of controversy or conflcit. You certainly may conclude with your own interpretation of the story and/or the issues it addressed, but first I want you to analyze the piece considering the author’s message. If you wish, you may make a personal connection and social observation after you’ve successfully illuminated the story’s literary elements.

ANSWER

Analysis of “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s short story, “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” is a captivating tale that operates within a society governed by behavioral expectations. Through its carefully constructed narrative elements and symbolic details, the story reveals, questions, and asserts a social critique, analyzing human behavior and challenging the status quo. This essay will explore various literary elements employed by Marquez, including character development, social context, physical setting, emotional tone, dialogue, flow of imagery, and symbolic details. By examining these elements, we can understand the author’s message and the story’s engagement with social criticism.

Overview of the Story

“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” tells the story of an angel who mysteriously appears in a small seaside town (A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings | Encyclopedia.com, n.d.). However, the townspeople do not view the angel as a divine being but as a curiosity. They subject him to ridicule, exploitation, and neglect, reducing him to a spectacle for their own amusement. The story primarily focuses on the reactions of various characters, such as the family who finds the angel and the townspeople who visit him.

Character Development and Social Context

Marquez carefully crafts the characters in the story to represent different aspects of human behavior within a society governed by norms and conventions. The family who discovers the angel, Pelayo and Elisenda, initially exhibit curiosity and compassion. However, as the angel fails to meet their expectations, they succumb to greed and exploit him for financial gain. The townspeople’s reaction to the angel reflects their inherent desire for spectacle and entertainment, symbolizing society’s tendency to dehumanize and exploit the unfamiliar.

Physical Setting and Emotional Tone

The physical setting, a small seaside town, creates an atmosphere of isolation and confinement. This setting amplifies the emotional tone of the story, evoking a sense of desolation and the oppressive nature of societal norms. The townspeople’s actions towards the angel elicit a range of emotions, from curiosity and wonder to fear and cruelty. Marquez skillfully uses the emotional tone to underscore the story’s social critique and shed light on the flaws of human behavior.

Dialogue and Flow of Imagery

The dialogue in the story reveals the townspeople’s narrow-mindedness and their inability to comprehend the angel’s existence. Their conversations are filled with skepticism, superstition, and a desire for personal gain. The flow of imagery, such as the description of the angel’s wings and his decaying physical state, emphasizes the stark contrast between the divine and the mundane. It serves as a visual representation of the townspeople’s inability to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Symbolic Details and Allegory

Marquez employs several symbolic elements throughout the story. The very old man with enormous wings serves as a symbol of the extraordinary and the supernatural. His presence challenges the societal norms and conventions that seek to limit human potential and imagination (A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings: Symbols      | SparkNotes, n.d.). The angel’s confinement in a chicken coop is allegorical, representing the suppression of individuality and the stifling effects of conformity. Furthermore, the story’s title itself, “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” invites readers to question their preconceived notions about the divine and the mundane, urging them to seek deeper meaning and challenge societal expectations.

Appropriateness of Point of View

The story is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, which allows readers to gain insight into the thoughts and motivations of various characters (MasterClass, 2021) 

+. This perspective enables the author to present multiple viewpoints and highlight the flaws and contradictions within society. By employing this point of view, Marquez effectively exposes the limitations of human perception and challenges readers to question their own beliefs and biases.

Conclusion

“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez offers a thought-provoking critique of society and human behavior. Through its skillful use of character development, social context, physical setting, emotional tone, dialogue, flow of imagery, and symbolic details, the story prompts readers to reflect on the consequences of societal norms, the dehumanization of the unfamiliar, and the importance of embracing change and individuality. Marquez’s work serves as a reminder of the transformative power of literature and the necessity of questioning and challenging the status quo to foster social evolution. By engaging with this story, readers have the opportunity to gain insight, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the world we inhabit.

References

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings: Symbols      | SparkNotes. (n.d.). SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/a-very-old-man-with-enormous-wings/symbols/ 

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/very-old-man-enormous-wings 

MasterClass. (2021, September 8). Third Person Omniscient Narration Examples and Definition – 2023 – MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/third-person-omniscient-narration-guide