Reader Response 2

[hert...@gmail.com]

War and solitude are major themes in this section of the novel.
Colonel Aureliano Buendia is given his position and just like his
father's passion for inventions, C. A. Buendia is passionate about
war. At one point, the power of his position almost corrupts C. A.
Buendia but luckily, Ursala keeps him in check. This type of
corruption with power is very common all around the world. I was not
surprised to read it here, because the Buendia family is already very
twisted. When Ursala released Jose Arcadio Buendia from the tree, I
kept wondering why he wouldn't leave. If it took twenty men to tie
him there, he obviously didn't want to be there in the beginning, so
something about him must have changed. I think it was in the solitude
of the chestnut tree where he finally found peace, so when he was
given the opportunity to leave, he realized that he was better off
being alone.

As the war drags on, Colonel Buendia finds someone who he can share
his solitute with. Colonel Gerineldo Marquez, the leader of the
conservative party is that man, because he experiences some of the
same fears, thoughts, and emotions of Aureliano. When Aureliano tried
to kill himself, I was relieved that the doctor had tricked him in
order for him to stay alive, but I can see how it was humiliating for
C. A. Buendia, as it is for most people who survive a suicide attempt.