Garcia Marquez’s “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” is a story that sarcastically examines the way cruelty and compassion can coexist, and how a human reacts to people who are dependent, feeble, and offbeat. After a long, treacherous storm, Pelayo finds “a very old man with enormous wings” lost and disoriented. Pelayo, and his wife Elisenda, believe the old man was an angel sent to take their ill child to heaven. After the child recovers, Elisenda and Pelayo become compassionate, and allow the old man to live in the chicken coop. The “very old man with enormous wings” attracts visitors and curiosity of the supposed angel. Despite Father Gonzaga’s skepticism, visitors from all over come …show more content…
Montresor opens the story telling us that he “vowed revenge” because of an insult from Fortunato. Montresor explains that he wants to seek revenge without risking injury, and chooses to use Fortunato’s love for wine against him. Montresor guides Fortunato through Montresor’s family vaults and crypt, and while getting Fortunato drunk. While leading Fortunato through the crypt and to his death, Montresor talks about his family crest: “no one attacks me with impunity”, a possible warning to the drunken Fortunato of his revenge. The two men walk into a crypt, and Montresor tells Fortunato, “herein is the Amontillado.” Wanting the wine, Fortunato falls for the trick, walks into the crypt, and Montresor chains him to the wall. Montresor then beings to close the room up with stones, and realizes “the intoxication of Fortunato had in great measure worn off.” Fortunato begins to believe Montresor is joking, and begs for his life. After the last stone is put in place, Montresor walks away and calls for Fortunato. There was no answer. Montresor “heart grew sick” and his revenge was …show more content…
Ha Jin excellently describes what happens when someone with too much power takes advantage of situations. Mr. Chiu is unfairly arrested for sabotage, when a policeman spills tea on him in order to provoke him. The police become prejudice when they find out Mr. Chiu is a communist and he refuses to say he is guilty. While in jail Mr. Chiu is worried of a hepatitis flare up, and warns the guards. Mr. Chiu is upset that the guards do not care, and warns them that the “station will be held responsible if anything happens to me.” The guards disregard Mr. Chiu and tell him to “Take it easy, you won’t die.” On Monday morning, Mr. Chiu sees the rescuer, his wife has sent, tied to a post awaiting punishment. Mr. Chiu makes a deal with the jail to say he is guilty, in order for Fenjin to be released. Angered by this deal, Mr. Chiu seeks revenge, and wishes he could kill the guards. The story ends