Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Latin American Culture in One Hundred Years of Solitude
In One Hundred Years of Solitude, one can observe Latin American culture throughout the novel and the dynamic of Hispanic families. Ursula is like the pillar and the foundation of the Buendia family. She is considered probably the wisest, and the one who is constantly looking out for the family as a whole. She seems to be very aware of everything that goes on. Her constant efforts to preserve the family help to drive the novel even in times when Macondo and the Buendia family seem to be getting closer to the end. I think Ursula's role as the grandmother points to a very important aspect of Latin American culture. Ursula, the grandmother, fulfills this role very well, for she shows constant care and vigils the family constantly. In Latin American culture, the role of grandparents and especially of a grandmother is one that is very prominent in Hispanic families. Often grandmothers live with their children and their grandchildren, and they are very well respected. The grandmother in Latin American Culture plays the role of guidance for all family members. Like Ursula, the grandmother is seen as very wise. I think that Marquez makes Ursula fit this role very well. Ursula's constantly demonstrates wisdom, will power, and strength through out all her life. Even if she cannot always change things to how she wants them, her strength and efforts to preserve the family never fade. Her long life represents the sense of wisdom that she possesses. I think that the family members in One Hundred Years of Solitude all have a deep respect for Ursula even if they don't always follow her ways. Another aspect of Latin American culture that I think the book demonstrates well is the idea of family extending beyond one's immediate or nuclear family. No matter how many generations have pass or how many family members there are, the Buendia family treats every one of its family members very closely. Members of the family are often great generations apart but are very close.Along with Latin American superstitions and the idea of that being a part of "every day reality," I think Marquez incorporates Latin American culture into the Buendia family greatly.
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I really like this blogpost in respect to the culture of the novel. I also think that Úrsula represents the culture of Latin America. However, I would argue that as time goes on, the Buendia family deviates from this Latin American culture. Let's skip foreword to José Arcadio Segundo. He involves himself with the Banana Company, which represents American influences. Also as time passes, the family in the house communicate less and less with each other (for the most part). I really got the cultural family vibe at first, but then afterwards I felt more of a disconnect. Also, I think the influences of the outside world (such as the banana company, government, or Fernanda) take away from the family unit and the culture that it represents. That happens in my house though too. As generations pass, my family has separated into tradition american families rather than one extended family. We learn less and less traditions of Indian culture from our grandparents and parents. Although, our culture is still prevalent. For example, my grandmother lives with me. Overall, I'd like to say the Marquez uses Latin American culture to exemplify the nature of family and culture in response to time and outside influences
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