Symbols
Wings
Wings, as a cultural and religious symbol, hold a multitude of meanings, often associated with flight, birds, angels, and hope. The presence of wings on a human-like figure typically signifies an angel, leading to the initial assumption that the old man may be one with supernatural abilities. However, doubts arise regarding his divinity due to his age and feeble appearance.
Gabriel García Márquez skillfully plays with the symbolism of the old man's wings by portraying them as dirty and disheveled, covered in mud, which contrasts with the usual depiction of angels as pristine and radiant beings. The imagery of the unkempt wings thus hints at a potential fall from grace. As the story progresses, the old man's feathers seem to molt and grow back, resembling those of a scarecrow, emphasizing the frailty associated with old age.
Despite the passage of time in the narrative, the mystery surrounding the old man's wings remains unsolved, leaving both the characters and readers to speculate on his true nature. Eventually, the old man regains the ability to fly, yet his ultimate destination remains unknown. While the exact meaning of the wings remains elusive, they can be interpreted as a symbol of hope, allowing for individual interpretations.
The “Spider Woman”
The “spider woman” possesses supernatural or magical qualities, making her the only character in the story with such abilities. In contrast, the old man lacks a story, teachings, or miracles. Despite being a carnival attraction, the “spider woman” knows how to captivate her audience and tell her tale in a way that generates income. The narrator never implies that her troubles are fake, even though they may seem unbelievable. Instead, her condition is accepted just like the old man's wings are: bewildering yet real. The “spider woman's” ability to connect with her audience draws a significant crowd. The narrator acknowledges her abundance of human truth and the fearful lesson she imparts, making her far more relatable than the “haughty angel who scarcely deigned to look at mortals.”
Through the “spider woman,” Márquez emphasizes humanity's attraction to "truth" and "lessons," regardless of their plausibility. By having her steal the old man's audience, the author suggests that humans are repelled by ambiguity, be it in symbols, stories, or real life. The unofficial competition between the old man and the “spider woman” also implies that people gravitate toward what is more entertaining and offers simpler answers.
