Diana Castillo

Magical Realism is present in both Latin American authors’ work. “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” and “The House of Asterion” blend elements of fantasy and realism to create this unique style of writing. García Márquez’s story, “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” presented a gothic character element of mysterious people. The old man appeared dreamlike and not fully human because he had wings, but exhibited human reactions such as the ones displayed at the cruel treatment of the crowd that came to seek healing from him. Jorge Luis Borges also used mysterious people element for him main character in “The House of Asterion.” At first, the narrator accused Asterion of arrogance, madness and having a dislike of all human kind that caused him to be locked away in solitude as a prisoner. Eventually it is revealed that he is a half-bull half-man creature called a Minotaur.

Death/near death is the second similarity between these two stories. The narrator revealed a routine of death in “The House of Asterion”. Every nine years nine people enter the house of Asterion and do not leave. We can only insinuate that it is due to the Minotaur. “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” also has the main character experience death, but is near death for the old man who is found. When the doctor examined his state, he was surprised that such an unhealthy being was still alive.

The setting in gothic fiction is crucial in developing the story so that readers can visualize and experience as the story develops. “The House of Asterion” takes place in an isolated and dark castle. This created a creepy environment with no potential of help or support for whatever lives in or even goes into this castle. The other story, “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” is set in village along with water during a rainstorm that lasted several days.