Chapter 18

Magical Realism

The magical realism in this chapter is the way that Aureliano II sees the ghost of Melquiades. It is unnatural for hi to see a ghost and talk to it occasionally, but it is even more unnatural that the ghost gives him hints to deciphering the stories. This is where the magic sets in in this chapter.

Character

The Buendia household itself goes through the most changes in this chapter. Not only are they basically in poverty but the main one's taking care of the house are slowly dwindling away. This is hurtful to the household and eventually takes a big toll on them especially after the main character passes away.

Summary

Aureliano II continues to be in the laboratory of Melquiades working, seeing the ghost occasionally as well. The ghost gives Aureliano II clues to deciphering the stories, which can't be understood till they are one hundred years old. Meanwhile, the Buendia family is still in poverty, but yet survives off of the food that Petro sends to them every now and again. Santa Sofia has also been taking care of the family over the years but yet gives up and just leaves with no real sense of direction. Fernanda no the other hand just dwells in the past while writing to Armanta Ursula till her death. Right after her death, Jose Arcadio II returns after being in solitude. He lied about studying and has really been waiting to inherit money. Unfortunately there is nothing for him when he returns and is left alone in the Buendia house with nothing but the past. But eventually he finds the gold of Ursula that Ursula Iguaran and shares it with the children as well as becoming friends with Aureliano II. Their relationship with each other grows strong but it doesn't last because Jose Arcadio is killed in his bath and his gold is taken by the younger children.

Quotes

"I give up....This is too much house for my poor bones."

This is significant to showing how Fernanda age was setting in and she coudldn't write to A. Ursula any more.

"You can have them........The last man who read these books must have been Issac the Blindmind, so condsider well what you're doing."

This shows how no one really believes the answer to the gypsy stories will be found.

Theme

Truth- This seems to be the theme of the chapter because most answers are being revealed finally, and everyone is being honest and open about each aspect of their life.