Chapter 9

Magical Realism

The magical realism of this chapter is how Aureliano can basically shoot himself but he doesn't die. Usually when someone tries this, in a suicide attempt, 9 times out of 10 they are successful, but somehow he survives which is magical, but him shooting himself was real.

Character

Colonel Buendia goes through the most changes in this chapter. He feels he is truly fighting because of pride, but then sees nothing is truly occurring but
death. When going into his nervous breakdown he realizes that won't help him either because he needs to try to save lives. Overall he is confused about where he stands, because at first he didn't want stop the war but now he does. But then afterwards he feels like he has caused betrayal. Colonel Buendia basically doesn't know what his values are.

Summary

In this chapter, Jose Raquel Moncada is executed, and this causes both Colonels to lose a purpose for fighting the war. Instead Colonel Marquez constantly strives to get Armanta for himself, even though it is like protocol for her to keep rejecting him while he is around. On the other hand Colonel Buendia doesn't go after love, he goes into a sort of depression or solitude which causes a type of nervous breakdown. Unfortunately, Colonel Marquez is captured to be put to death and this brings Colonel Buendia out of his breakdown. He goes to rescue Colonel Marquez and they fight together against the Liberals to end the war and prove it's worthlessness. He ends up signing a peace treaty but then feels remorse and betrayal within himself and decides to commit suicide. Surprisingly he survives and it is a wake up call for Ursula. She tries to restore happiness to the household.

Quotes

"They spend their lives fighting against priests and then give prayer books as gifts"

This is the turning point for Colonel Arcadio seeing that the war itself was pointless.

"You can't come in, colonel", she told him. "You may be in command of your war, but I'm in command of my house."

This quote is significant to showing how Armanta tries to avoid Colonel Marquez as much as possible., but yet he won't give up.

Theme

Life- This chapter shows how important life is and shouldn't be taken for granted as far as being wars, going into depression, and letting others lives slip away. Life is something to be cherished and the time of life must be used wisely.