Active Reading for Chapters 7-11

Magical realism occurs all the time in the story (subtly sometimes). One example is when
The motif of solitude is repeated very often: Colonel Aureliano Buendia is in solitude when he's in jail, waiting for his death; Rebeca becomes solitary after she shot Jose Arcadio. It is also magically realistic when the blood follows a path all the way to Ursula (as if it had a purpose). The fact that the Wandering Jew created a heat wave is also magically realistic. It is also magically realistic how one moment, General Aureliano Buendia is going to be executed one moment, and the next, he is reinstated as a war hero. This would never happen in "real life".
Rebeca's slightly crazy, different, and outcast character is supported by the fact that she killed Jose Arcadio (who she supposedly loved) for no known reason and afterwards became a total recluse.
Jose Arcadio Buendia also dies (after living tied to the tree for so long- also magically realistic). After his death, flowers fell from the sky. This is symbolic because he was the founder of Macondo, and his death marks the birth of a new era (marked by flowers, which are symbolic of spring, the season of new life). At this time, Ursula is 100 years old.
It is magically realistic when Areliano shot himself in the heart, yet didn't damage any organs. Another magical thing occurance is when Jose Arcadio Segundo and Aureliano Segundo dream the same things, they are connected. This is symbolic of the repetition of history. Areliano opened Mequiades' room after being locked for so long. It was also symbolic when it was unchanged because it shows how the lack of curiosity of the people of Macondo keep them locked up and solitary and unchanged.
Amaranta is the girl who can't dedicate herself to someone. She declines Aureliano.
The men seem to become like their fathers (ex. Aureliano Segundo and Arcadio Segundo). Aureliano Segundo married a woman he didn't love (why?). This is an impulsive decision). His second wife was very much like Ursula (repeating the theme of repetition of character). A train arrives in Macondo and finally ends their solitarity.
There are many premonitions, also. One example is with Colonel Aureliano Buendia when he senses someone coming (it turns out to be someone coming to save him).
The motif of aging is presented in all the characters and in the town, when CAB sees that the town has aged.
The motifs of ignorance, lack of common sense and awakening are supported with the fact that GAB says that he is only fighting because of pride. Even though that's bad, it's good that he is questioning his motives and actions, unlike everyone else in the town.
Ursula is a perfect example of a matriarch who cares for her children so much.
"A trickle of blood came out under the door. crossed the living room, went out into the street, continued on in a straight line across the uneven terraces, went down steps and climbed over curbs...(131-132)" This is an example of magical realism. It shows that sins can't be hidden from the world and affect everything around you. The blood's purpose was to expose this mistake. However, no one did anything about it, and therefore, no one learned from Rebeca's mistake.
"What General Moncada knew and what he did not whish to reveal at lunch was that Colonel aureliano Buendia was already on his way up the most prolonged, radical, and bloody rebellion of all those he had started up till then (151)". A bipartisan democracy always creates problems, as is seen throughout the book. Battles without discussion get everyone into trouble and show impulsivity.