Reflective Blog for Chapters 1-2

In the beginning of the chapter, the author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, begins with using the phrase "many years later". This immediately captured my attention because it puts the reader right into the story. The author introduced the setting, Macondo as a magical village with "adorable houses" and a ravishing river running along its edge. He illustrated the world in which the villagers lived as innocent and isolated from the modern world. This immediately made me make the connection of this village to the Native Americans and how their entire world was destroyed by the appearance of the "white man". This could be foreshadowing for destruction that might take place in the village of Macondo because of future changes. The motif of dishonest gypsies is introduced. The gypsies seem to symbolize the free soul of the villagers. I think that Jose Arcadio Buendia becomes quickly passionate about a certain thing and becomes obsessed with it. However, when an obstacle comes, he loses interest and quickly finds a new obsession to follow. He doesn't seem like a really good father and neglects his children and his wife most of the time. The motif of a father-son conflict is introduced. Ursula, Jose's wife, seems to be a little bit feisty and can speak her mind. She is a strong woman, rather than a submissive wife, which is often shown in stories. She is sort of a leader and can take charge in the family. Aureliano is the archetype of a wise old man in the story. Ursula is also careless, shown when she drops the flask of mercury. The technological ignorance of the villagers is exemplified by the fact that Jose and Ursula don't worry about the broken mercury (since it is toxic). It seems like the village of Macondo is very materialistic (exemplified by its interest in alchemy). This is a bit ironic, since most primitive villages in North America seem to be very in touch with nature and not materialistic. However, the villagers, especially Jose, are very curious and have a thirst for knowledge. Their fear for gypsies, for example, is eliminated when they learn about them. It seems like Macondo is an orderly, hardworking, village. Jose also seems very recklessly outgoing and acts on impulse. He is not satisfied with his life and therefore becomes readily obsessed. I was very interesting how Ursula had no shame in incest (two times). One time with her husband, being cousins. Another time with her own son! It was also interesting how the gypsies were so open about it. This shows that the village is very liberal and have the ideals of the gypsies. These ideals are probably that people can do whatever they want as long as they're happy and free. Jose, however, represents a more conservative and sturdy person with strong held beliefs.