FAQs
What is the story “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” about?
"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" by Gabriel García Márquez tells the tale of an inexplicable, unkempt figure with giant wings who crash-lands in a poor coastal town. The couple who find him grapple with his identity—is he an angel, a fallen creature, or something else entirely? As they exploit and exhibit him for profit, the townspeople’s fascination turns to fear and disgust. Ultimately, the old man regains his strength and takes flight, leaving the townspeople to ponder the nature of miracles and the limits of their understanding. This magical realist masterpiece explores themes of faith, otherness, and the human response to the unknown.
What does the man symbolize in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”?
The old man's symbolism shifts throughout the story. Initially, he represents the mysterious and divine, sparking questions about faith and miracles. As his condition worsens, he becomes a burden due to his unknown origin, highlighting societal exploitation of the different. Ultimately, his recovery and flight symbolize the transient nature of wonder and the effect of the unexplained.
