List the characters in the story. Write one to two sentences on the defining characteristics of each one, providing at least one citation to illustrate your comments.

Why do you think the story is called "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" rather than "An Angel?"
in How does the priest respond to the man with wings? What do you think his response symbolizes?
How do the villagers respond to the spider girl? What do you think their response symbolizes -- how does it relate to the rest of the story?
Write a three-paragraph comparison between themes in Márquez's "Old Man" and Kafka's "The Metamorphosis".

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To answer these questions, we need to analyze the story "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and understand its characters, their actions, and the symbols behind them. Here is a breakdown to help you find the answers:

1. List of characters and their defining characteristics:
- The Old Man with Enormous Wings: A decrepit and filthy old man with wings who is found by Pelayo and Elisenda in their courtyard. He does not speak and appears to be in a miserable state.
- Pelayo: A poor man and the husband of Elisenda. He initially decides to club the old man to death but refrains from doing so.
- Elisenda: Pelayo's wife, who initially seems empathetic towards the old man but later exploits his presence for monetary gain.
- The Priest: An authoritative figure in the community who examines the old man and concludes that he is not an angel.

2. The story's title:
The story is titled "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" rather than "An Angel" because it focuses on the human aspects and reactions to the old man's appearance rather than his angelic qualities. The angelic element is diminished, and the supernatural character is used to explore human behaviors and social dynamics.

3. The priest's response and its symbolism:
The priest responds to the man with wings by examining him and ultimately dismissing him as not being an angel, stating, "He's just an angel of the Lord." This response symbolizes the skepticism and disbelief that often accompany extraordinary events and challenges the notion of blind faith. It highlights how even spiritual figures can fall short in their understanding and handling of the divine.

4. The villagers' response to the spider girl and its symbolism:
In the story, the villagers respond to the spider girl with awe, fascination, and a sense of spectacle. Their response symbolizes humanity's tendency to sensationalize and exploit the unusual or different to satisfy curiosity. It underscores themes of exploitation, entertainment, and the blurred line between compassion and exploitation in society.

5. A three-paragraph comparison between themes in Márquez's "Old Man" and Kafka's "The Metamorphosis":
Both "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" and "The Metamorphosis" explore themes of alienation, transformation, and the struggle to maintain a sense of humanity amidst extraordinary circumstances. In Márquez's story, the old man's appearance triggers a transformation in the lives of the characters, revealing their selfish desires and lack of empathy. Similarly, in Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," the main character, Gregor, undergoes a physical transformation into a giant insect, leading to his isolation and rejection by his own family. Both stories highlight the dehumanizing effects of unusual physical conditions and showcase the characters' struggle to adapt and find acceptance.

Additionally, both stories explore themes of societal attitudes towards the extraordinary. In "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings," the villagers initially respond with awe and reverence towards the old man with wings but soon lose interest, exploiting him for personal gain. Similarly, in "The Metamorphosis," Gregor's family initially expresses concern for his condition but later repudiates and neglects him. Both stories confront the superficiality and fickleness of human nature when faced with the extraordinary and shed light on the impact of societal norms and expectations on individuals.

Overall, the stories by Márquez and Kafka provide poignant examinations of human nature, isolation, and the search for meaning in the face of extraordinary circumstances.