9/26/08

"He felt himself forgotten, not with the irremediable forgetfulness of the heart, but of a different kind of forgetfulness, which was more cruel and irrevocable and which he knew very well because it was the forgetfulness of death."

The repitition of the word 'forgetful' in this section emphasizes how terrible it is to be forgotten. Forgetfulness to him, symbolized death, because no one around could even remember his existance. The long sentance structure in the author's syntax here further more emphasizes how Jose Arcadio Buendia is droning on, almost whining about being forgotten. Death is a major theme which appears many times throughout this book, this far.

One Hundred Years of Solitude, 2

"Little Jose Arcadio refused to touch it. Aureliano, on the other hand, took a step foward and put his hand on it, withdrawing it immediately. 'It's boiling' He exclaimed, startled. But his father paid no attention to him. Intoxicated by the evidence of the miracle, he forgot at that moment about the frustration of his delirious undertakings and Melquiades' body, abandoned to the appetite of the squids."

This quote shows how Jose Arcadio Buendia struggles with his newly found love of inventions, with his friends and family. Although Melquiades is the one who first introduced him to all of these wonderful inventions, he is quick to forget all about him the moment a new invention is being introduced to him. He also quickly forgets about his sons, as the book says he pays no attention when his son is talking to him. This shows his inner struggle between reality, and the world he lives in, where he invisions himself as a great inventor.