Chapter 1

Magical Realism

Throughout chapter one, there seems to be bits and pieces of magical elements that Jose Acardio Buendia uses and believes. He begins thinking that he is a true alchemist and that he has the power to turn doubloons into gold of some sort. The magic is in the work put in to make such an element. He also seems to be under a spell of some sort, almost bewitched it seems because of his determination. This as well can be seen as a kind of magic. Overall the task at hand that he is taking on is magic within it's own skin, and with him being under a kind of "magic" he doesn't even realize it. Therefore the reality of what he is doing isn't possible in reality and if it was that would truly be magic.



Characters

Jose Arcardio Buendia really takes a lot of personalty changes in this chapter. He starts of being such a open individual, and with a good head on his shoulder. To be the founder of Mocondo he must be well respected, and it seems as if he is liked by all. But when given the idea he could possibly make gold, he goes nuts. He isolates himself from the rest of his family and is obsessed with finding the formula and procedure for the gold. He is very standoffish as well as anti-social.





Summary

José Arcardio Buendía, who is the founder of Mocondo, is obsessed with magical implements to make gold. Melquíades, the leader of the gypsies, gives him his supplies which he uses in scientific study. This frustrates his wife Úrsula Iguarán. José Arcadio Buendía goes into alchemy, the science of making gold out of other metals. His driven desire leads him to solitude. He slowly goes away from human contact, becoming antisocial, and interested only in his project. He eventually ventures to the north, but he sees that Macondo is surrounded by water and not able to be visted by the rest of the world. he plans to move Macondo to but is stopped by his wife, who won't to leave. he gives his attention to his children: José Arcadio and Aureliano. When the gypsies comeback, they say that Melquíades is dead. Despite the sad news, José Arcadio Buendía keeps working on new technology which is ice.



Quotes

"If you have to go crazy, please go crazy all by yourself!...But don't try to put your gypsy ideas into the heads of the children."

-Ursula is displeased with Jose's constant isolation and disassociation from the family because the idea the gypsies have given him. She doesn't want him sharing all his crazy ideas and information with her and the kids so they won't do the same thing he has.

"It's the smell of the devil."

-This shows how Ursula feels about the gypsies and her husband's beliefs. She feels that all this work is the control of the devil and therefore has the smell of the devil as well. She thinks theses things are of evil spirits and devilish quantity.

Themes

-This chapter's main theme is discovery. Jose Acardio Buendia not only discovering ways that he he thinks will possibly create gold, but he also discovers ice which he believe's is the best thing yet.