STORY
7. A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
CHARACTERS
Old Man with wings: an angel.
Pelayo: An ordinary peasant
Elisenda: Pelayo's wife
Father Gonzaga: Pastor
The Neighbor Woman: Mouthy woman
The Spider Woman: Woman that diverts attention away from
the elderly gentleman
The Child: : Sick at first, gradually cure
SUMMARY
"A
Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez unfolds in a
coastal village where Pelayo and Elisenda reside. Their lives are
transformed when a sickly infant enters their world. Amidst the
complexities of parenthood, an extraordinary event unfolds after a storm. An
old man with wings is discovered near their home, compelling them to
confine him in their chicken coop.
News
spreads of the mysterious visitor, and the townsfolk flock to witness this
enigmatic being. He is quickly dubbed an angel, igniting a whirlwind of
curiosity and fervor. Father Gonzaga, the local priest, interacts with
the old man and seeks guidance from higher authorities. While he remains
skeptical about the angelic nature of the old man, he reaches out to the bishop
for guidance.
Amidst
the buzz, Pelayo and Elisenda seize an opportunity to capitalize
on their newfound attraction. Charging visitors to see the old man, they amass
wealth and prosperity. However, their fortune attracts another marvel— a
woman who transforms into a spider. This mesmerizing spectacle diverts
attention away from the old man with wings, causing a decline in visitors.
As
the seasons change, the old man's existence becomes more challenging. He
weathers the harsh winter, losing his wings and falling gravely ill. Despite
his hardships, he endures, and astonishingly, regrows his feathers. This
resurgence of vitality culminates in his eventual flight away from the village.
The
story is a reflection on the human propensity to sensationalize the extraordinary.
Pelayo and Elisenda, initially compassionate, succumb to greed, exploiting the
old man's presence for personal gain. The contrast between their actions and
the old man's innate innocence underscores the inherent complexities of human
nature.
Father
Gonzaga's interactions with the old man echo a dichotomy between faith and
doubt. His skepticism and consultation with the bishop mirror the internal
struggle between skepticism and the hope for divine intervention. This
narrative tension underscores the ambiguity surrounding miracles and the
intricacies of religious devotion.
Furthermore,
the appearance of the woman-spider introduces an element of the fantastical,
accentuating the blurred line between the miraculous and the bizarre. The
village's fascination with both the old man and the woman-spider underscores
humanity's insatiable appetite for the extraordinary.
At
the end, the old man's departure signifies a return to the unknown. His flight
not only echoes his mysterious arrival but also symbolizes the impermanence of
the extraordinary. Through vivid imagery and symbolic undertones, Marquez
challenges our perceptions of the miraculous and the mundane, ultimately
inviting readers to contemplate the fine line between wonder and exploitation
in the face of the inexplicable.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. How does the narrator describe the weather and its effects in
the exposition of the story?
As
the story commences, the narrator portrays a weather-laden scene with three
days of unceasing rain. Pelayo is occupied in discarding crabs into the ocean.
The descending sun merges the sea and sky, obfuscating their distinction. The
once-glistening beach, reminiscent of powdered light on March evenings,
transforms into a morass of decay and decayed mussels. This descriptive
exposition captures the grim impact of the continuous rain—dampened spirits, a
blurred horizon, and the devaluation of the once-lustrous shore. The weather
serves as a metaphor for the unsettled and transformative ambiance that
pervades the narrative, foreshadowing the extraordinary events yet to unfold.
b. Describe the strange old man as Palayo and
his wife first encounter within their courtyard.
Upon
their initial encounter within their courtyard, the strange old man appeared
akin to a ragpicker. His head was bald, nearly devoid of hair, and his mouth
lacked teeth. His gigantic buzzard wings, in a state of disarray and partial
plucking, were consistently ensnared in the mire. The description evokes an
image of disheveled otherworldliness—his appearance starkly contrasting with
the norm, as his baldness, toothless mouth, and bedraggled wings allude to a
peculiar and enigmatic figure. This imagery captures the sense of wonder and
unease that his presence instills in Pelayo and his wife, Elisenda, setting the
stage for the story's unfolding mysteries.
c. Why did Pelayo and Elisenda imprison the old
man in the chicken coop?
Pelayo
and Elisenda imprisoned the old man with wings in their chicken coop due to a
belief propagated by a neighborhood woman. According to her, the old man was an
angel sent with intentions to claim their sickly child. Fearing this threat to
their newborn, they confined him. The woman's explanation, steeped in
superstition, portrayed angels as escapees from a divine conspiracy. She
advised them that their child's safety could be ensured by resorting to a more
extreme measure—clubbing the old man to death. Driven by concern for their
child's well-being and influenced by the woman's ominous guidance, Pelayo and
Elisenda took the drastic step of imprisoning the old man, ostensibly to
protect their family from a perceived otherworldly threat.
d. Why was Father Gonzaga not sure about the old man being a
celestial messenger?
Father
Gonzaga remains uncertain about the old man's status as a celestial messenger
due to his bedraggled appearance and inability to converse in Latin, a language
commonly associated with divine beings. Observing the old man's disheveled
state and his lack of familiarity with a language often associated with the
divine, Father Gonzaga harbors doubts about his angelic nature. These
inconsistencies raise skepticism in the priest's mind, prompting him to seek
guidance from higher authority—the bishop. Gonzaga's hesitancy stems from his
understanding of the traditional attributes of angels, which the old man
seemingly lacks, compelling him to engage in a more thorough investigation
before embracing the notion of the old man as an angelic being.
e. Many people gathered at Pelayo's house to see
the strange old man. Why do you think the crowd assembled to see him?
The
gathering of people at Pelayo's house to witness the strange old man can be
attributed to the distinctive and captivating sight he presented. The old man's
immense wings set him apart, rendering him an unusual spectacle. Some perceived
him as a potential prophet of God, while others found amusement in taunting
him. The allure of witnessing a being that defied conventional norms stirred
curiosity and intrigue among the people. Pelayo's house became the focal point
for this congregation due to the old man's presence within its confines. The
enigmatic aura surrounding the old man, combined with his conspicuous wings,
compelled individuals with varied motivations—be it reverence, fascination, or
mere amusement—to gather and behold this extraordinary figure firsthand.
f. Some miracles happened while the crowd
gathers to see the strange man. What are these miracles?
Amidst
the gathering to witness the strange man, several miraculous occurrences
unfolded. A blind man did not regain his sight, yet he inexplicably grew three
new teeth. Similarly, a paralyzed individual did not fully regain the ability
to walk, but remarkably, he came tantalizingly close to winning the lottery.
Additionally, a leper's wounds astonishingly yielded sunflowers, a
transformation that defied the ordinary laws of nature. These enigmatic events,
though not conventional miracles in the traditional sense, underscored the
surreal atmosphere surrounding the old man. The inexplicable nature of these
phenomena intensified the allure of the spectacle, further fueling the crowd's
fascination and underlining the narrative's exploration of the intersection
between the miraculous and the mundane.
g. State the irritating things that the people
did with the strange old man.
The
strange old man encountered a series of distressing actions from the people,
which reflected their frustration with his lack of expected spectacle.
Initially, he faced verbal abuse, failing to capture their admiration.
Subsequently, they subjected him to physical torment, wielding a branding iron
and inflicting repeated stabbings. Unfazed by their reactions, the old man
remained unperturbed. The crowd's desperation escalated as they plucked his
feathers and pelted him with stones, aiming to compel him to stand. The
culmination of these indignities triggered a transformation in the old man's
demeanor, turning him aggressive due to the anguish he endured. These incidents
portray the range of negative behaviors that the crowd exhibited as they
struggled to comprehend the enigmatic being in their midst.
h. How and why was the woman changed into a spider?
The
transformation of the woman into a spider was the result of a brimstone
lightning sting. After sneaking away from home to attend a dance against her
parents' wishes, she was returning through the woods after a night of dancing.
A powerful thunderclap rent the sky, and a bolt of brimstone lightning emerged
from the fissure, striking her and causing her transformation into a spider.
The lightning's potent energy brought about this remarkable metamorphosis,
underscoring the story's blend of the extraordinary and the supernatural. This
event serves as a testament to the story's exploration of the mystical and the
bizarre, showcasing the consequences of defying societal norms and the
unexpected ramifications that can follow such transgressions.
i. Describe how Elisenda saw the strange man flying over the
houses.
While
occupied with chopping vegetables in the kitchen, Elisenda sensed a breeze that
prompted her to approach the window. From there, she witnessed the strange old
man's attempt to fly. His presence seemed to materialize from the sea's horizon
and, in an instant, he vanished into the distance. As she observed this
unexpected spectacle, a sigh of relief escaped her. This fleeting yet
extraordinary sight highlighted the old man's transcendent nature, capturing
the essence of his enigmatic presence. Elisenda's perspective on this event
conveys a mixture of astonishment and perhaps a hint of closure, as the old
man's departure marked the conclusion of his inexplicable presence and the
return to a sense of normalcy.
Reference to the context
a. The arrival of a strange old man at Palayo’s courtyard
arouses many suspicions and explanations. Explain how the neighbour woman,
Father Gonzaga and the doctor speak of the strange man. Why do you think
these three people give three different kinds of interpretations?
The
arrival of the strange old man in Pelayo's courtyard triggers varied
interpretations from three different individuals. The neighbor woman, Father
Gonzaga, and the doctor each provide distinct explanations for the old man's
enigmatic presence. The neighbor woman perceives him as an angel, sent to save
a child, but claims that he perished due to his age during the rain. On the
other hand, Father Gonzaga, the priest, questions the old man's celestial
nature, as he fails to understand the language of God or the essence of divine
messengers. The doctor's assessment is physical, discovering natural wings on
the old man while probing his heart and kidneys. The divergent interpretations
stem from the old man's unique appearance and actions, which defy conventional
explanations. This diversity of views showcases the mysterious and perplexing
nature of the old man, underlining the complexity of comprehending the
extraordinary within the realm of the ordinary.
b. This story belongs to the genre of ‘magical realism’, a genre
perfected by Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his novels and short stories.
Magical realism is a narrative technique in which the story-teller
narrates the common place things with magical colour and the events look
both magical and real at the same time. Collect five magic realist
happenings from the story and argue why they seem magical to you.
"A
Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" exemplifies the genre of magical realism
through its fusion of the ordinary and the magical. The title itself portrays
the old man as a supernatural being, introducing a mythic element. Throughout
the story, several instances contribute to its magical aura. The neighbor
woman's conviction that the old man is an angel who seeks the ill child's
salvation adds a mystical layer. The transformation of the woman into a spider
after being struck by brimstone lightning, the doctor's perplexing diagnosis of
the old man, his wings and archaic eyes, and his initial attempt at flight all
defy reality while maintaining a semblance of authenticity. The old man's
unknown language and his authoritative voice amplify the sense of
otherworldliness. Father Gonzaga's portrayal of him as the devil and his
warning to the community further accentuate the interplay between the magical and
the real. These elements, blending the supernatural with everyday life,
encapsulate the essence of magical realism, a genre in which Gabriel Garcia
Marquez excels, evoking wonder and mystery in the midst of the familiar.
c. The author introduces the episode of a woman who became a
spider for having disobeyed her parents. This episode at once shifts
people’s concentration from the strange old man to the spider woman. What
do you think is the purpose of the author to bring this shift in the
story?
The
author strategically shifts the narrative focus to the episode of the woman
turned into a spider to illustrate the magical realism element of
interconnectedness between seemingly unrelated events. By juxtaposing the
strange old man and the spider woman, the author demonstrates how extraordinary
occurrences can coexist within the ordinary realm. This shift also serves to
highlight humanity's inclination towards the whimsical and entertaining rather
than profound matters. The introduction of the spider woman diverts the crowd's
attention, emphasizing their preference for the extraordinary yet lighter
spectacle she presents. The magical realism effect is thus extended to the old
man, as the spider woman becomes the center of interest. This narrative shift
reinforces the story's exploration of the paradoxical nature of human
perceptions and their selective recognition of beauty and compassion.
d. The story deals with the common people’s gullibility. How do
Palayo and his wife take advantage of common people’s whim?
Pelayo
and his wife exploit the common people's gullibility by capitalizing on the
rumors surrounding the strange old man. Upon the neighbor lady's assertion that
he is an angel, they initially attempt to communicate with him, but fail.
Father Gonzaga's subsequent skepticism fails to deter the growing interest.
Elisenda cleverly devises a plan to charge visitors for viewing the angel,
leading to their accumulation of wealth. The old man's presence transforms
their courtyard into a bustling marketplace as people flock to witness the
spectacle. Despite the skepticism and Father Gonzaga's reservations, the couple
astutely leverages the public's fascination to their financial advantage. The
story underscores the credulity of individuals and how ordinary people can be
swayed by the extraordinary, offering insights into the complexities of human
behavior and the allure of the magical and mystical.
Reference beyond the text
a. An irresistible crowd queues at Palayo’s house for many days
simply to look at the strange old man. Narrate an episode from your
experience or from another story where people assemble in crowds, not for
any noble cause.
A
relentless and irresistible crowd forms a queue outside Pelayo's house,
maintaining their presence for numerous days with a singular purpose: to catch
a glimpse of the peculiar old man. The inexplicable allure of the old man's
presence draws people from far and wide, transcending conventional curiosity.
This unceasing gathering showcases the powerful grip of fascination and the
human tendency to be captivated by the unusual and extraordinary. The crowd's
determination to witness the enigmatic figure illustrates the convergence of
wonder and curiosity, as people become engrossed in the inexplicable aura
surrounding the strange old man.
"The
Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a chilling short story that explores the
disturbing aspects of blind conformity, tradition, and the darker aspects of
human nature within a seemingly idyllic village setting. The story unfolds on a
sunny day in June when the residents of a small village gather for an annual
event known as the lottery. The villagers' jovial and casual demeanor initially
masks the unsettling nature of the event.
As
the lottery proceeds, the true nature of the tradition becomes apparent. Each
household draws slips of paper from a box, and the family with the marked slip
is selected. Within that family, a further drawing is held to determine the
individual to be stoned to death by the other villagers. The brutal ritual is
shrouded in mystery and carried out with an eerie sense of normalcy.
The
narrative focuses on Tessie Hutchinson, who becomes the selected victim. The
villagers, including her own family members, gather stones and participate in
her execution. The shocking and abrupt ending forces readers to confront the
horror of collective violence and the potential for cruelty that resides within
human beings.
Jackson's
story highlights the dangers of blind adherence to tradition and the potential
for groupthink to override individual morality. The title itself misleads
readers, evoking images of innocent games rather than the brutal act that takes
place. "The Lottery" serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers
of unquestioning conformity and the potential for cruelty to emerge when
societal norms are left unexamined. The story's unsettling conclusion lingers,
prompting readers to reflect on the darker aspects of human behavior and the
importance of critical thinking in the face of tradition.
b. The taste of children is different from grown-ups. What are
the elements in the story that make ‘The Old Man with Enormous Wings’ a
children’s story?
"The
Old Man with Enormous Wings" possesses several elements that make it
appealing as a children's story within the magical and fantasy genre. Children
are often drawn to narratives that transport them to otherworldly realms and
introduce them to extraordinary characters and events. This story caters to
their tastes through the presence of magical beings like the elderly man with
wings and the woman who transforms into a spider. These characters pique
children's imagination and curiosity, fostering a sense of wonder.
The
language employed in the story is deliberately simplified, aligning with
children's reading levels and ensuring easy comprehension. The use of symbols,
such as the old man's wings as a representation of freedom and strength,
facilitates a deeper understanding of concepts in a digestible manner.
The
setting of the story is vividly described, featuring relatable environments
like chicken coops, yards, forests, and the sea. This helps young readers
visualize the scenes and immerse themselves in the narrative. The presence of
conflicts and interactions between characters, including the old man, the neighbor
lady, Father Gonzaga, and the doctor, introduces intrigue and twists,
sustaining children's engagement throughout the story.
The
old man's appearance as an angel-like figure and the spider girl as a symbol of
self-serving faith create captivating imagery for young minds. Additionally,
the story triggers multiple senses, describing the old man's sight, scent, and
the emotions of the characters and the crowd. These sensory details enhance
children's connection to the story and its characters.
Furthermore,
the humorous aspect of people paying a small entrance fee to witness the angel
adds an element of amusement that appeals to children's sense of fun and
curiosity. Overall, "The Old Man with Enormous Wings" aligns with
children's preferences for magical, imaginative, and visually evocative
storytelling, making it an engaging and entertaining narrative for young
readers.
Best of Luck
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