The Use of Symbolism and Irony on the cyclical nature of the Buendía family history in One Hundred Years of Solitude
Throughout all works of world literature, certain passages will have exceptional meaning to the plot progression of the novel. This key passage essentially provides insight upon the overall theme of that work through characterization, symbolism, and imagery. In Gabriel García Márquez 's novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, the passage selected for interpretation uses the literary techniques of archetype, foreshadow, and symbolism to inform characterization. The concept of consanguineous love relationships is also reinforced in this part alongside with the suggestion of the necessity of outside authority on a family. These concepts enlighten the characterization of each and every one of the characters presented and provide insight on the cyclical nature of the Buendía family history.
Passage selected from One Hundred Years of Solitude:
“Years later on his deathbed Aureliano Segundo would remember the rainy afternoon in June when he went into the bedroom to meet his first son. Even though the child was languid and weepy, with no mark of a Buendía, he did not have to think twice about naming him.”
"We 'll call him José Arcadio," he said.” (181)
“Fernanda del Carpio, the beautiful woman that had married Aureliano Segundo the year before, agreed. On the other hand, Úrsula could not conceal a vague feeling of doubt. Throughout the lengthy history of the family the persistent replication of names had made her depict some conclusions that seemed to be clear. While the Aurelianos were withdrawn, with lucid minds, the José Arcadios were rash and enterprising, but they were marked with a tragic sign. The only cases that were impractical to classify were those of José Arcadio Segundo and Aureliano Segundo. They were so identical and so mischievous all through childhood that not even Santa Sofía de
Cited: Garcia, Marquez Gabriel, and Gregory Rabassa. "Chapter 10." One Hundred Years of Solitude. New York: Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006. 181-82. Print.