Discuss the theme of "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings," and how it is supported by the element of fantasy.

This excellent short story is an example of magic realism,
which is a literary form characterised by elements of fantasy that are juxtaposed with
everyday, realistic settings. The elements of fantasy are clear to all of us: the
sudden, mysterious appearance of the angel, combined with other, freakish characters
such as the woman who was transformed into a spider for dancing all night without
parental permission. However, it is important to ask what Marquez is trying to say
through this story.

Much has been written on this vexing
question. The very fact that there is so little to grasp about an obvious theme leads
some to suggest that Marquez has actually written a very clever story about the nature
of interpretation by considering how the villagers view the appearance of the angel.
What they make of their surprise guest is governed by speculations, supersitions and
gossip. They show the influence of stupid ideas in their thinking by stating the fact
that mothballs are what angels eat. Throughout the story, they seem to show their
ignorance by their faith in their own wisdom. Of course, the irony of this theme goes
deeper, as it seems that Marqez thrusts us as readers into this very role as we struggle
to interpret and understand the fantastical elements of his story. When we ask what the
angel represents, perhaps we are falling into the same trap as the villagers: trying to
rely on conventional wisdom to understand something that is beyond explanation, and
showing our own ignorance in just such a way.