Short Fiction: A Study of Genre

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 4

11th Grade

Lesson 12 of 15

Objective


Analyze the author’s use of the character of the old man to develop the theme of humanity.

Readings and Materials


  • Short Story: “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Gárcia Márquez (from Leaf Storm and Other Stories)  pp. 105 – 112

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

The primary impression of the old man with wings created by the narrator’s description in paragraphs 1 and 2 is that he is both

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Pelayo and Elisenda’s treatment of the man with wings can best be described as both

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Writing Prompt

Describe how the author uses the people’s reactions to and treatment of the old man with wings to develop the theme of humanity. Use examples from throughout the story.

Analyze how the magical realism genre serves to make this critique of humanity possible. Explain.

Key Questions


  • Describe the setting.
  • Note moments of both the ordinary and the fantastic in the opening paragraph.
  • What is surprising about the old man? 
  • How would you describe the tone thus far? Why?
  • What mistake does the old woman point out? What is the impact of the author’s juxtaposition of the man’s appearance and her conclusion?
  • What is the meaning of the word “simplest” at the bottom of p. 107?
  • What conclusion does the priest draw? Why?
  • What is the impact of the word “pilgrim” at the bottom of p. 108?
  • Describe the old man. How does he behave and what conclusions do people draw about him?
  • How do Pelayo and Elisenda treat the old man? What does their treatment of him reveal about them?
  • What tone does the author develop toward Catholicism? How? Toward the “pilgrims” and “villagers”?  (p. 107-110)
  • What is the “providential event” that the narrator describes on p. 109? What impact does it have on the story?
  • What does the phrase, “full of so much truth with such a fearful lesson” on p. 110 mean?
  • Compare the “spider woman’s” predicament to that of Gregor in The Metamorphosis. Compare the way each character helps to convey a message about humanity.
  • What does the doctor wonder about the angel when he examines his wings?
  • What happens when the chicken coop ceases to exist on p. 111? How does Elisenda react?
  • What do we discover that the angel is trying to hide? 
  • How would you describe the mood as Elisenda watches the man with wings fly away? How does it represent a shift in her feelings toward him?

Notes


  • Before beginning the story, make sure students are familiar with the meaning of magical realism. It is a genre that originated in Latin America and reflects a blend of folkloric traditions and modern literary traditions. It is typically realistic fiction punctuated by moments of fantasy, with the moments of fantasy being described in the same realistic or matter-of-fact tone as the more real elements of the story.
  • Students will need some background in Catholicism to understand some of the references in the story.
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Lesson 13

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