"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" is a short story written by Gabriel García Márquez that tells the tale of a mysterious old man who is discovered in a small village with wings on his back. The story explores themes of faith, superstition, and human nature.
The old man is discovered by a couple, Pelayo and Elisenda, who initially mistake him for a large, sickly creature. They soon realize that he is a human with wings, which causes a stir in the community. Despite his unusual appearance, the old man is kind and gentle, and he seems to have a special connection with the animals in the village.
Pelayo and Elisenda decide to keep the old man in their chicken coop, where he becomes a source of fascination for the villagers. People come from far and wide to see the old man, and they offer money to see him or to touch him. Pelayo and Elisenda become wealthy from the influx of visitors, and they begin to see the old man as a source of income rather than as a fellow human being.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the old man is not an angel, as many of the villagers believe. Rather, he is a simple, humble man who has been cursed with wings. Despite this, the villagers continue to see him as a miraculous being and treat him with a mix of awe and disrespect.
The old man eventually escapes from the chicken coop, and the villagers return to their normal lives. Pelayo and Elisenda's wealth quickly dissipates, and they are left with a sense of emptiness and regret for how they treated the old man.
In "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings," García Márquez explores the theme of faith and the power of belief. The villagers' belief in the old man as an angel allows them to see him as something miraculous and special, and it allows them to overlook his humanity. At the same time, the old man's humble nature and his kindness towards the animals suggest that true goodness and divinity come from within, rather than from external appearances.
The story also touches on the theme of human nature and the ways in which people can be selfish and cruel. Pelayo and Elisenda's treatment of the old man as a source of income demonstrates their lack of compassion and their willingness to exploit him for their own gain.
Overall, "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" is a thought-provoking and poignant tale that explores the complexities of faith, superstition, and human nature. It invites readers to consider the ways in which we perceive and treat those who are different from us, and it challenges us to look beyond appearances and to see the humanity in others.