A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings

Marquez explores both the natural and the supernatural in his short story, “A very Old Man with

Enormous Wings.” Although the plot revolves around the character of a winged man who has fallen to

earth, the story’s main focus is not on the angel, but on the folks surrounding him. As the story goes on,

the author portrays an essentially negative view of human nature. According to Marquez, people not

not only lack logic, they show ignorance. The people of the Columbian town mistreat the angel simply

simply because he’s different. Author’s worst indictment of humanity, however, is reflected in their

stubborn refusal to appreciate the miraculous.

The townspeople appreciate the supernatural. Instead of accepting such miracles as proof that

the spiritual is at work in their lives, the townspeople dwell uncommon character of the angel’s magic.

They refer to his acts as “consolation miracles.” One example is that the rain had been going on non-

stop for 3 days. It all stopped when the angel fell into the courtyard. The crabs were gone and the well-

being of Pelayo’s child was restored. Even after the angel had been locked up in the chicken-coop,

miracles