Write a three-paragraph comparison between themes in Márquez's "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" and Kafka's "The Metamorphosis".
I've only came up with one so far...can anyone help?
-The burden both family feels on having to take care of an insect and an old man with wings.
What about the ambiguous identities?
What about imprisonment of both?
Check this site for other ideas.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/metamorph/
To compare the themes in Gabriel Garcia Márquez's "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" and Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," one can observe similarities surrounding the burdens placed on the respective families. In "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings," the family is burdened with the responsibility of caring for an old man with wings who falls from the sky. They struggle with understanding and accepting his presence, unsure of whether he is an angel or a mere freak. This burden is amplified as the townspeople flock to witness the old man, treating him as a spectacle rather than a human being. Similarly, in "The Metamorphosis," the Samsa family is presented with the burden of Gregor's transformation into an insect. They struggle to understand and cope with this strange transformation, feeling trapped and burdened by the sudden change in their lives. The family members must grapple with their own emotions and the impact Gregor's transformation has on their relationships, leading to a sense of isolation and oppression.
In both stories, the burden placed on the families creates a sense of moral and emotional conflict. In "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings," the family members are torn between their natural instinct to protect and care for the old man, and the desire to exploit him for financial gain due to the fascination of the townspeople. This moral conflict creates tension within the family unit as they struggle to make decisions that reflect their values. Similarly, in "The Metamorphosis," the Samsa family experiences an intense emotional burden as they grapple with their feelings towards Gregor's transformation. They vacillate between pity, disgust, and ultimately a sense of liberation at the thought of his demise, causing a rupture in their family dynamics. The burden they carry challenges their sense of moral responsibility and forces them to confront their true selves, highlighting the complexity of familial relationships.
Despite these burdens, both stories also delve into the themes of acceptance and societal expectations. In "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings," the family and the townspeople are forced to confront their own prejudices and preconceived notions about angels and the supernatural. Their struggle to accept the old man with wings reflects a larger commentary on society's innate resistance towards accepting the unknown or different. Similarly, in "The Metamorphosis," the Samsa family's difficulty in accepting Gregor's transformation reflects the societal expectations they feel bound to. They grapple with guilt, shame, and a desire to conform to societal norms, ultimately presenting a critique of the pressure placed on individuals to fit in. Both stories highlight the tension between society's expectations and the individuals' innate desire for acceptance, prompting a deeper exploration of human nature and social dynamics.
In conclusion, the themes of burdens, moral conflict, acceptance, and societal expectations are prominently shared by Gabriel Garcia Márquez's "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" and Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis." The families portrayed in both stories face similar challenges brought about by unusual circumstances, navigating the complexities of their relationships and society's expectations. By examining these common themes, we gain insight into the human experience and the complexities of our choices and interactions.