The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings Short Story

Short stories often capture human nature at its most visceral level, speaking of the truths of the relationships that exists within it. Marquez, Ortiz, and Joyce each present a compelling case for elements that strengthen human bonds. Together they form a complex distinction between compassion and communication where communication stands as the victor as the greatest player in fostering human relationships and discourse. While the virtue of compassion proves a costly endeavor that is difficult to achieve, communication is more necessary to strengthen the bonds of humanity because it allows for a sharing of perspectives, yet does not make the false assumption that complete understanding is possible. The direct result of a lack of communication

In the short stories of “The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” and “The Shawl,” this human inclination is presented as the direct result of miscommunication. When Pelayo and his wife, a crab farming couple, discovers an old man with a curious pair of wings, they attempt to speak to him, only to be given a response with an “incomprehensible dialect” that renders conversation impossible. They summon a neighbor to explain the oddity who advises them to “club him to death”. The hasty conclusion is made by that of someone with evidently no knowledge about the incomprehensible man because of his inability to communicate. Had there been a dialogue between the fallen angel and his discoverers, false assumptions and violence would not have necessarily been the direct result. Because the old man is unable to defend himself, his integrity and humanity is discounted for public and private interests that exploit him. Stella and Magda’s corrosive relationship in “The Shawl” is also evidence of the existence of violence through silence brooding from the lack of communication. Throughout Ozick’s story, Stella is repeatedly shown as being “jealous”. Though they both feel hunger through perpetual starvation, Rosa recognizes Stella gazing at Magda like a “cannibal,” all the while “giving nothing” to her starving sister while her mother gives her full meals to the child. As Stella’s primal inclinations grow through increased hunger and desperation,

At the annual dance, Gabriel gives a speech to his family and friends. Through the speech, not only does he compel his audience to confirm his sentiments by his direct communication with them, but addresses the value of communication itself. The epitome of human connection is seen in the emotional chorus brought about between the audience members and Gabriel. There are tears, singing in unison, and loud acclamation. Gabriel expresses his sentiments communicating through his fear “that this new generation” will forget the qualities that he holds dear: “humanity, hospitality, and kindly humor” (Joyce 13). He highlights that this joyous gathering is the result of these values. If they are broken, these human bonds could not have been created nor maintained. In “the Very Old Man,” Marquez provides a similar instance where a gathering is summoned and strengthens a community through communication. The news of the old man with wings spreads through the town he is found near. Initially, the “whole neighborhood” “have fun with the angel”. As the news spreads further, however, people flock from around the world with their respective intentions. This adds a boisterousness and livelihood to Pelyao and Elisenda’s life, the couple that finds the fallen angel. Through