Chapter 8

Magical Realism

The magical realism in this chapter is the fact of Pilar being able to predict the death of Aureliano just by looking at her cards. It is possible for people to be a prophet and predicting the future by divine means or intervention, the possibility of this being caused by cards is rare and sometimes unrealistic.

Character

Armanta goes through the most changes in this chapter. Once again she isn't really sure of where she wants to be, or who she wants to be with. She leads Aureliano on for so long, but because of her mixed feelings she leaves him. She is truly playing games with the men in the book, and doesn't know what she wants in the long run. Eventually this will come back to bite her, as well as her being some causes to the death emotionally.

Summary

In this chapter, Aureliano Jose and Armanta become closer due to his infatuation for her. She lets him grow on her and begins to have the same feelings. Before long, they began to sleep in the same bed together naked, arousing each other but without having any kind of sexual intercourse. They soon start to kiss each other on a regular basis, but are almost caught. Armanta is now ashamed and is disgusted with the act of incest that she is committing, so she breaks up with him. This causes Aureliano Jose to join the army with his father so he will be able to marry her legally. But the war is basically over with the signing of a peace treaty. However, Colonel Aureliano Buendia doesn't like the fact of backing down and takes the agreement back and leaves town for more recruits with Aureliano Jose following. But after his departure, the land of Mocondo is at peace and headed by a Conservative woman named Jose Raquel Moncada. Aureliano Jose soon returns to Mocondo hoping for another chance with Armanta, but upon his return she desperately avoids him. Unfortunately she doesn't have to avoid him long because of his murder. Colonel Aureliano Buendia soon returns as well to the town with seventeen recruits. He takes them to be baptized and considers them his sons. Also during his return a death sentence is put out for Jose Raquel Moncada, but even thought they are friends he decided to do nothing.

Quote

"Can a person marry his own aunt?" He asked startled.

"He not only can do that," a soldier answered him, "but we're fighting this war against the priests so that a person can marry his own mother."

This was the information the got Aureliano Jose to go the army and fight for the marriage he wanted to pursue with his Aunt Armanta.

"Whatever you decide will be done, Aureliano," she sighed. "I always thought and now I have the proof that your're a renegade"

Rebeca is very supportive of her husband even if she disagrees with his decisions but she is not afraid to speak her mind.

Theme

Empathy- This chapter is actually showing how there is no empathy throughout the main characters, because of how Armanta does Aureliano and how Colonel Aureliano Buendia does Jose Raquel Moncada.