Very Old Man With Enormous Wings
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The short story "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" is considered by most people an archetype of magical realism. It may purposely be refereed to as a children's tale, but I see it more as a use of magical realism to explore and exploit human actions. This story also has many direct references toward, and questioning, Christianity and the belief system instilled in its members. The society they live in may not be real, but it portrays characteristics that are surprisingly, and unfortunately similar to our own society. There are several elements to this paper that I noticed like magical realism and religious references; also much of this piece also has to do with the good that human nature is lacking.
The elements of this story that are magical are the old man with wings, assumed to be an angel, and the several other "side show" type freaks; like the girl who turned into a spider. Even the next door neighbor who knew of all things, living and dead. The angel element in magical realism discovers the mysterious parts of life. Even people who don't believe in supernatural beings know about angels and are aware that they are protecting and they are supposed to take you to the good afterlife. In fact the angel was thought to be coming to take the sick baby to heaven...