very old man Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is the definition of magic realism?
Magic realism blends fantastical elements into realistic settings
Originated in Germany in 1925 via Franz Roh and expanded to literature in Latin America by the mid-20th century.
Which artists are referenced to show the connection between visual surrealism and written magic realism?
- Rob Gonsalves’ The Sun Sets Sail
- M.C. Escher’s Relativity
These works challenge perception and provoke interpretation.
What subverts expectations about the angel’s identity?
The angel is dirty, old, and barely functional, contrasting with cultural and religious ideals
This challenges the conventional image of divine beauty.
What evidence leads Father Gonzaga to doubt the angel’s divinity?
- Doesn’t speak Latin
- Doesn’t heal traditionally
The angel offers ironic or useless ‘miracles’.
What moral challenge does the angel’s presence present to the villagers?
It reveals their superficiality and hypocrisy in judging by appearance and performance.
How does the angel serve as a living parable?
It tests how we treat the marginalized and those who defy our norms.
What does the old man represent if he is not considered an angel?
He is an emblem of magic realism, a magical presence in a normal world.
How is the old man treated by the villagers?
He is treated like a freak show exhibit and discarded when a newer attraction arrives.
What does the spider woman symbolize in contrast to the angel?
She represents how society values spectacle and story over mystery and introspection.
What theme is highlighted by the villagers’ treatment of the angel?
Judgment and prejudice based on expectations of divine beings.
What does the story illustrate about human fickleness?
People abandon deeper reflection for immediate gratification.
What does the commercialization of the sacred refer to in the story?
Pelayo and Elisenda profit from the angel, commodifying the spiritual.
What is the significance of the angel’s persistence despite mistreatment?
He endures and eventually flies away, unacknowledged but free.
How does the angel act as a mirror for the villagers?
He shows them who they really are, critiquing their treatment of outsiders.
What is notable about the angel’s departure?
It is quiet, awkward, and unceremonious, marking a spiritual release.
What message does the story convey to the reader regarding the angel?
It challenges readers to reflect on their values, prejudices, and spiritual understanding.
What is the initial setting of the story?
A stormy night in Pelayo’s courtyard
Who discovers the old man with wings?
Pelayo
What do Pelayo and Elisenda initially believe the old man to be?
An angel
How do Pelayo and Elisenda treat the angel after discovering him?
They imprison him in a chicken coop
What phenomenon draws the townspeople to see the angel?
Miracle tourism
What do Pelayo and Elisenda do to profit from the angel?
Charge admission to see him
What causes public interest in the angel to fade?
The arrival of a woman turned into a spider
What happens to the angel’s health throughout the story?
He becomes weaker but eventually grows new feathers
