Discussion Post
Gabriel García Marquez's short story A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings is a well-known work of magic realism that makes some pretty bold statements about human nature. Look up magic realism to have a better understanding why Garcia Marquez would use this genre.
So far, we've covered narration, description, definition, and comparison and contrast as organizational patterns. Write an analysis in a min. 875 words of this short story, using a combination of these patterns to analyze what García Marquéz is telling us about human nature.
Here are some questions to guide you, if you are stuck:
• Can this story be classified as a fairy tale, myth or an allegory? Which characteristics make you think this?
• Compare/contrast this story with the genres of fairy tale, myth or an allegory.
• In western culture, what are some ways we define angels? Is the old man an angel?
• Look at the variety of descriptions Garcia Marquez uses throughout this very short story. What purpose does such description serve?
Be sure to start with a strong thesis, and support your thesis with specific, quoted examples from the story. Feel free to include any research you have done on magic realism.
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.