Gabriel García Márquez’s writing style in ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ is a deliberate fusion of the real and surreal, crafting a narrative ambiance where the odd seamlessly intertwines with the every day, evoking neither astonishment nor disbelief. His prose is enriched with vibrant imagery, meticulous details, and a poetic rhythm that elevates commonplace occurrences to a heightened and almost ethereal realm. It is within this style that Márquez enthralls his readers in a literary tango that climaxes and satiates the reader in the end.
The Enduring Power of Love
[Lorenzo Daza] . . . lowered his voice. “Don’t force me to shoot you,” he said. Florentino felt his intestines filling with cold froth. But his voice did not tremble because he felt himself illuminated by the Holy Spirit. “Shoot me,” he said, with his hand on his chest. “There is no greater glory than to die for love.”
This audacious proclamation is made in Chapter 2 by the impassioned Florentino Ariza at the Parish Café, where Lorenzo Daza graciously treats him to a glass of anisette and sternly demands that he stay away from their lives. Ultimately, Lorenzo refrains from shooting Florentino, but instead cruelly compels Fermina to embark on a lengthy journey through the mountains in hopes that she will forget him. Florentino exhibits remarkable courage to confront Lorenzo, even in the face of his loaded gun, primarily driven by his profound sense of enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. This enlightenment can also be interpreted as his blind, reckless passion for Fermina, and his unwavering determination to make her his own.
Florentino asserts that there is no greater glory than sacrificing oneself for love. Aside from conquering Fermina, he finds immense pleasure in reveling in the suffering caused by his intense, obsessive love. Strangely, Florentino derives enjoyment from the pain he endures for love; he perceives his anguish as a gratifying and fortifying experience that will ultimately lead him to his ultimate desire: Fermina.
Very well, I will marry you if you promise not to make me eat eggplant
This witty quote encapsulates the lighthearted and everlasting essence of love. It implies that the foundation of marital commitment lies in the small idiosyncrasies of individuals rather than extravagant displays, highlighting the significance of the mundane aspects within long-lasting relationships.
Love is the only thing that interests me.
When Leo XII Loayza reprimanded Florentino Ariza for his official documents resembling love letters, Florentino made a solemn vow to master the art of composing business letters. However, despite his relentless efforts over a span of six months, Florentino found himself unable to grasp the dry and unemotional style required for customs reports. Eventually, he reluctantly admitted defeat, acknowledging that love was the only subject he truly cared to write about.
I’m nothing but a poor lover.
Unaware of the ongoing civil war, Florentino Ariza passionately serenades Fermina Daza with his enchanting waltz, aptly named “The Crowned Goddess.” Despite the curfew restrictions, he fearlessly performs his composition in the open air. However, his audacious act leads to his arrest under suspicion of espionage on behalf of the Liberal Party, allegedly transmitting covert messages through his musical masterpiece. Following a harrowing three nights behind bars, he is eventually granted his freedom.
“Fermina,” he said, “I have waited for this opportunity for more than half a century, to repeat to you once again my vow of eternal fidelity and everlasting love.”
Florentino Ariza solemnly makes a vow to Fermina Daza in the closing moments of Chapter 1. It is an important scene, taking place at her late husband’s wake after most of the guests have departed. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of fifty-one years, nine months, and four days of patient waiting on Florentino’s part. Throughout his adult life, he has tirelessly strived to prove himself worthy of Fermina’s love, dedicating himself entirely to this pursuit. Now, as the day of her husband’s passing finally arrives, Florentino seizes the opportunity to reaffirm his unwavering devotion and everlasting love for her.
Despite Fermina’s initial rejection of him, dismissing their plans for marriage upon her return from a lengthy journey, Florentino remains resolute in his determination to reclaim her heart. It is this second declaration of love, occurring more than half a century after her initial rejection, that sets the stage for the captivating tale of Florentino and Fermina’s tumultuous journey through love, heartbreak, and ultimately, a rekindled romance.
Death and Rebirth
He was still too young to know that the heart’s memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good, and that thanks to this artifice we manage to endure the burden of the past.
This quote, echoing a similar sentiment as before, emphasizes the theme of memory in the novel and its influence on one’s perspective on life. It suggests that selectively recalling the positive aspects of the past aids individuals in navigating the challenges they encounter throughout life.
A person doesn’t die when he should but when he can.
Márquez presents a thought-provoking perspective on mortality, suggesting that individuals may not necessarily meet their demise at a predetermined time but rather when circumstances align. This concept adds depth to the novel’s overarching exploration of mortality and the capriciousness of life.
It is a pity to still find a suicide that is not for love.
During the anniversary luncheon, Dr. Lácides Olivella interrupts his conversation to express his sorrow to his esteemed teacher, Dr. Juvenal Urbino, regarding Jeremiah de Saint-Amour’s decision to end his life in order to evade the challenges of old age. Although society may view suicide for the sake of love as an honorable act, taking one’s own life for other reasons is generally regarded as disgraceful.
It is going to be like dying.
Following their shared journey on the river, Fermina Daza finds herself apprehensive about the prospect of returning to the bustling city. Surprisingly, Florentino Ariza is taken aback, as he has been harboring the very same sentiment ever since the boat embarked on its homeward course.
