Overview
The story "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" by Gabriel GarcĂa Márquez explores the arrival of a mysterious old man with wings in a small village, the villagers' reactions, and the blending of supernatural elements with everyday life.
Arrival of the Old Man
- A storm leads Pelayo and Elisenda to discover a decrepit, winged old man in their courtyard.
- The couple and villagers are unsure if he is an angel or a castaway.
- The priest, Father Gonzaga, expresses skepticism about the man's divinity due to his human traits and lack of Latin.
Reactions from the Community
- The villagers are fascinated and exploit the winged man as a sideshow attraction.
- People travel from distant areas to see the old man, paying admission to witness the "miracle."
- The town becomes chaotic, mixing wonder with cruelty toward the old man.
Treatment of the Old Man
- The old man is kept in a chicken coop and subjected to mistreatment and ridicule.
- Various supposed miracles occur, but they are unusual and ambiguous.
- As excitement fades, interest in the old man wanes and he is neglected.
Symbolism and Themes
- The supernatural is presented as mundane, challenging expectations around miracles and faith.
- The story explores themes of human cruelty, exploitation, and the loss of wonder.
- The villagers' pragmatic and self-interested responses highlight indifference to the miraculous.
Resolution and Departure
- Over time, the old man recovers his strength as he is left alone.
- He eventually flies away, ignored by those whose lives he had inexplicably touched.
Decisions
- Exploit the old man for profit: Pelayo and Elisenda charge admission to see the old man.
- Ignore the old man’s suffering: The villagers and couple choose not to intervene in his mistreatment as interest fades.
Action Items
- TBD – Father Gonzaga: Report the old man's case to church authorities for ecclesiastical investigation.
- TBD – Pelayo and Elisenda: Use their earnings from the sideshow to improve their own lives.