Book details
Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes
Description
Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes, a short story by Gabriel García Márquez, tells the tale of Pelayo and Elisenda, a couple who find an old man with enormous wings in their backyard after a storm. Believed to be an angel, the man is caged and becomes a spectacle for onlookers. Despite his poor condition and inability to communicate, visitors from far and wide come to witness the 'angel', seeking miracles. The couple profits from the situation, but the novelty eventually fades. The story explores themes of human nature, faith, and the exploitation of the extraordinary. As time passes, the old man recovers and, one day, flies away, leaving the couple with their changed lives.
Age
7-9
Text complexity
beginner
Length
28 pages
Why to read
- Exploration of Magical Realism: 'Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes' is a quintessential example of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's magical realism, blending the ordinary with the fantastical in a way that prompts readers to question the nature of reality and the limitations of human perception.
- Cultural Significance: As a work by Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this story offers insight into Latin American literature and culture, reflecting the region's history, beliefs, and social dynamics through its narrative.
- Literary Mastery: Reading 'Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes' provides an opportunity to appreciate Marquez's skillful storytelling, rich character development, and the lyrical quality of his prose. It's a chance to witness the work of one of the world's most celebrated literary figures.