"Solitude" in the novel

Ethan Hoffman’s notes on the theme of solitude should add to your developing view of Macondo and of Marquez’ use of history. I quote Ethan promiscuously.

Ethan writes, "Having come near to the end of the novel, it seems the theme of solitude is really more of a backdrop to a narrative whose most apparent importance is to address an exposure to modernity. I feel one can gain a more nuanced outlook on the value of Macondo's overarching and general isolation and solitude by the Buenidas' reaction to that solitude's undoing, and that one can deduce this solitude’s characteristics by framing it within the context of its antithesis, as embodied in such events or recurring elements as the gypsy band, the war, the banana company...

"In any event to answer the questions Michael poses, I would say that without a doubt every character experiences solitude, as it is an innate part of their environment, an environment from which the Buenidas and others descend from, much like Adam and Eve’s Fall from ignorance, innocence and more literally Eden. I would in turn argue that an analysis of what it is that costs Macondo its paradise can lead to be a much more fruitful and clear way of exploring the pervading themes of the novel.If nothing else, for me at least addressing this more endemic and wide spread solitude is a good jumping off point towards exploring the individuals more varied confrontation with solitude, such as Jose Arcadio Buenida’s (the elderly, in case it gets a bit confusing) insanity, or Amaranta’s loneliness."

August 26, 2008 12:57 AM
Michael writes: "Except to point out that this is a lovely and excellent piece of student writing and applied thought, I will leave this comment to stand as an insightful swipe at the questions of “solitude” posed earlier on this blog."

Thanks Ethan.

Yours

Michael D.