Write a three-paragraph comparison between themes in Márquez's "Old Man" and Kafka's "The Metamorphosis".
These sites will give you some ideas.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=M%E1rquez%27s+%22Old+Man&btnG=Search
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/metamorph/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Metamorphosis
If "Old Man" is "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" I can answer any questions on that. I have never read it in English but I certainly have in Spanish.
Sra
To compare the themes in Gabriel García Márquez's "Old Man" and Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," we need to analyze the central ideas explored in both stories. The first paragraph will focus on the theme of isolation and alienation. In "Old Man," the protagonist, Santiago Nasar, is alienated from his community due to an unfounded and pervasive rumor. Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," on the other hand, depicts Gregor Samsa's transformation into an insect, which leads to his complete isolation from his family and society. Both stories highlight the profound sense of detachment and how it impacts the characters' relationships and self-perception.
Moving on to the second paragraph, we can examine the theme of identity and self-discovery in both works. In "Old Man," the rumors surrounding Santiago Nasar distort his true identity and lead to a questioning of his reputation within the community. He embarks on a journey to discover the truth about himself and reconcile with his past actions. In "The Metamorphosis," Gregor Samsa's transformation has a similar effect. As he grapples with his new physical appearance, his sense of self undergoes a transformation, forcing him to reevaluate his own identity and place in the world.
Finally, the third paragraph will discuss the theme of fate and the inevitability of events. In "Old Man," Santiago Nasar's tragic fate is predetermined, and despite his attempts to evade it, he ultimately cannot escape his destiny. Similarly, Gregor Samsa's metamorphosis in Kafka's story is a force beyond his control, and his life takes a tragic turn despite his efforts to maintain normalcy. Both authors explore the idea of an invisible force that determines the characters' destinies, leading to a sense of powerlessness and resignation. These themes of fate and its effects on the characters provide additional parallels between "Old Man" and "The Metamorphosis."