One Hundred Years of Solitude
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Latin American Symbolism and metaphors
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Letitia
(last edited Aug 25, 2016 11:23AM)
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Jun 25, 2007 01:19PM

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n now tht u mention it...wud be delighted 2 hear u interpret it wid means of this novel!

##The house — the color and overall status of the Buendía household embody the political and economical stance of Colombia at the time: its construction represents the settlement of the place, its upgrade to "mansion" represents the birth of the nation. Several characters try to paint the house either blue or red at different times (representing right and left political parties), even though the matron of the house wants to keep it white (neutral, or rather, political balance). At one time, Aureliano Segundo glues bills all over its walls, alluding to economical bonanza. There are times where things within the house are destroyed or nature creeps into its halls, embodying anarchy.
##The daguerreotype — a daguerreotype of the late Remedios is kept in the house through all generations. At first it is meant to be sacred and holy, as she has died young and innocent, but the picture loses meaning as time goes by and younger generations forget its importance. It is meant to embody tradition, or religion: its holiness is worn off and disrespected in the modern world.
##The Gypsies — the traveling Gypsy band represent creativity and progress - at first they visit frequently, and the people of Macondo marvel at the wonders of science. The inventions shown are of great use and help the people to live better lives. Later on the Gypsies change and bring amazing wonders, more incredible but of less use (portrayed as "magical" and not "scientific" artifacts) and the inhabitants are disenchanted.
##The red ants — the troop of red ants that constantly battle the Buendías in their household may represent time: many characters try to exterminate them and exile them from their mansion, but are always beaten and surrender to them. The last of the Buendías is carried away by ants, emphasizing this view. Another interpretation could be that they represent Communism (being characteristically red and forming part of a strictly structural society). This view is less likely, given the author's own political views.

One of the reasons this book so lifts me up is that it brings me to a place where life is life but it is more than life. Where actions occur but are always more than they seem. The same qualities that bring fame to Tolstoy--a glorification of the everyday Russian way of life--give credence to Marquez--a beautiful and real picture of everyday life in Latin America. From my vantage point in America, I love it because it reminds me that ambition is not always the most important quality in life.
I find the same play of magical & concrete in "Pan's Labyrinth", the movie, which I also found amazing. The same sad but beautiful truth runs throughout the movie as well.






Olaoluwa wrote: "Coudld someone explain the repeation of names and why thats so important? i mean i have my own ideas but i knda got confused telling who is who from who"
Olaoluwa wrote: "Coudld someone explain the repeation of names and why thats so important? i mean i have my own ideas but i knda got confused telling who is who from who"
Hi! 100 years it the cycle so the names are repeated to complete it, the best thing you can do is draw a family tree to guide you with the names. I read this book every three years and I do it every time! I hope you'll find it helpful.


Does anyone else have any more information like that Wikipedia article? I loved it and want to know more.
By the way, I couldn't find that page on Wikipedia. Could you send me the link or the title of the article?


Look at the things that happened to the characters and relate those situations to what that image could be if it were not actually happening.
The butterflies following Mauricio Babilonia are a projection of Meme's feelings toward him.
Use the father's name for the first son is usual in many cultures, but in Latin America sometimes it verges in extremist machismo. In the case of One Hundred Years of Solitude is just a way to show the redundancy of the situations they relive time after time.
I know a guy who had five children with 2 different women, and all five have his same name, which at some point in life is going to be very confusing for all involved.


To echo a previous comment: re-read, the repetition is helpful.
Enjoy!



you can distinguish that all these men can be divided into two groups by their names. one presents sex, the other presents solitude.

Actually, you find quite a lot of biblical references in the book...

What and how is this much significant??

##The house — the color and overall status of the Buendía household embody the political and economical stance of Colombia at the time: its construction represents the settlement of..."
Excellent and informative comment. I had no idea about these metaphors, even though I've read and enjoyed the book three times!
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