2. Why do you think the story is called "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" rather than "An Angel?"
http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/a-very-old-man-with-enormous-wings/
To understand why the story is titled "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" rather than "An Angel," we need to look at the key elements of the story. In Gabriel Garcia Marquez's short story, the plot revolves around the discovery of an old man with wings who is believed to be an angel by the characters in the story.
The title "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" highlights the physical attributes of the character, emphasizing his age and the size of his wings. By focusing on these aspects rather than explicitly state that he is an angel, the title reflects the ambiguity and uncertainty that the story explores.
Marquez's intention seems to be to provoke the readers to question their own assumptions and beliefs about angels. The title invites readers to consider whether the old man is really an angel or perhaps something else entirely. This aligns with the overall theme of the story, which delves into the complexities of faith, human nature, and our fascination with the supernatural.
The choice of the title also reflects Marquez's storytelling style. Throughout his works, Marquez employs magical realism, which combines the ordinary and the extraordinary in a way that blurs the line between reality and imagination. By using the title "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings," Marquez sets the stage for a narrative that presents both the fantastical and the mundane aspects of the story.
Therefore, the title "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" serves to captivate the readers, prompting them to contemplate the nature of the character and their own perceptions of angels, while also reflecting Marquez's unique storytelling approach.