I ended up loving the other novel we read this summer (Sing, Unburied, Sing), and after class discussion/reflection, I have noticed similar themes in the two stories despite their obvious differences. They both address the concept of the living past as well as ideas revolving around human nature. Both examine the repercussions of inherited beliefs while demonstrating the reliability of constant change. In this way, both families and their dynamics (though one is far more complex than the other) make statements about the progression of time.
The theme of death in particular is prevalent in both novels. To focus on one aspect of this all encompassing idea, I noticed that Givens death could relate to the banana plantation massacre as both are a result of an unacceptable and blatant disrespect for human life to due a class system. The workers were considered disposable and almost machine-like, meaning that their demands to receive fairer treatment resulted in the unimaginable. Similarly, Givens death was a result of someones feeling of superiority as when Given was the best hunter, the kid acted out of rage and shot him (he was embarrassed to be losing to a colored boy). Though this is just scratching the surface of possible connections between the two novels, it's interesting to see the reoccurring and almost inevitable facts of history that are addressed.
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Another common theme one could relate to the two novels is the idea of inspiration from elders. Neither story could be created without this important thread.
We see this constantly in "Sing, Unburied, Sing" with JoJo always listening to stories told by his grandfather. Leonie is also remembering and bringing to life her mother, who says very little in the text and is very ill, through old memories from when she was just a child. JoJo's grandfather is the sole role model in his life and his words however small shape the way JoJo thinks, acts, and behaves.
Gabriel Marquez uses his grandmother's voice to write his greatest work of art, "100 Years of Solitude." Marquez spends a large portion of his writing career desperately searching for his perfect voice, his true way of writing as a creator. He is looking for something that is truly his. It is only through much thought and struggles that Marquez finally discovers that it was his grandmother who is his inspiration. Marquez listened to his grandmother's stories as a child and it was not until Marquez has his own wife and kids that he realizes that his grandmother was the one who shaped him and his writing.
I think many people take for granted the wisdom of the people who came before them. Individuals are so wound up in their daily lives and personal goals they often forget to listen and appreciate the family that has made them who they are today. I know personally that I am guilty of this. We are all guilty of this. Yet time and time again, throughout history and art, it is our own family that gives us an outlook on life that we just would not understand without them.
Alana, I would like to touch on your brief comparison of the two families. While reading, I, too, noted some key similarities among the Buendias and Jojo's family. Both families are marked by tragedies that they overcome by leaning on their loved ones. Jojo's family has experienced the brutal murder of Given, the arrest of Pop, the total rejection of Leonie and her children by Michael's family, and the abusive treatment of Jojo and Kayla by Leonie. We see Jojo and Kayla overcome all of this, however, through the loving relationship they have with Pop and Mam. For all the tragedies of the Buendia family in "One Hundred Years of Solitude," the novel could very well be renamed "The Tragedy of the Buendias:" the total collapse into insanity of Jose Arcadio Buendia, the countless deaths, and the repeating instances of incest are just a few examples of the constant tragedies of the Buendias. Despite the hardships of both these families, however, there is still plenty of love to be found within them-- love which gives the family members the will to live in the face of such difficulties.
In this manner, both books offer a key piece of advice: turn to those you love in the face of hardships. There is no bond in the world stronger than family. When surrounded by your loved ones, you can overcome any obstacle.
I never saw this particular connection before and I am so glad that you pointed it out! I remember the first similarity I noticed was how each dealt with the supernatural. Both novels are written in the style of magical realism, and all these mythical and magical aspects are woven in so casually that it feels very natural. Also in each book, it should be noted that being drawn to the supernatural tends to be hereditary. For example, Jojo can hear animals speak and communicate with ghosts, and his grandmother knows various spells and rituals. While with the Buendias, all the Aurlianos tend to have supernatural powers and can see the ghost of the old gypsey man.
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