Gabriel García Márquez famously labeled ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ as a novel of manners, although it is commonly categorized as a romance by most critics. A novel of manners delves into the customs, social etiquette, superstitions, and values prevalent among a specific group of individuals in a particular era and location. Typically, these conventions are introduced early on in the narrative, and the characters either conform to, transcend, or deviate from them.
War and Strife in Colombia
‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ delves into the chaotic history of Colombia, shedding light on the harrowing civil wars known as La Violencia. Spanning a decade, this conflict pitted the Colombian Liberal and Conservative parties against each other, resulting in an estimated death toll of 200,000 lives. Primarily unfolding in rural areas, this strife was fueled by political leaders and law enforcement, who incited impoverished supporters of the Conservative Party to seize land from peasant Liberals.
Within the narrative, Gabriel García Márquez also weaves in other significant historical events, such as the tragic sinking of the Spanish ship San José off the coast of Cartagena. This ill-fated vessel carried precious metals, and its demise serves as an important reminder of the past.
Poverty and Disease in Colombia
‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ explores numerous episodes of Colombian history, shedding light on the country’s enduring social stratification and wealth disparity, remnants of its colonial past. These disparities are vividly portrayed through the stark contrast between the impoverished, cholera-ridden lives of those residing in the slave quarters and the aristocratic families who grapple to preserve their privileged status.
Colombia’s first cholera outbreak occurred in Cartagena in 1849, yet this devastating disease plagued nations worldwide throughout the 19th century. Cholera inflicts its victims with severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, resulting in widespread fatalities. Its transmission primarily stems from inadequate sanitation practices, including improper disposal of human waste and contaminated drinking water. Dr. Juvenal Urbino, a central character in the novel, comes to this realization, underscoring the urgent need for improved hygiene and sanitation measures.
Cartagena, Colombia
Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena is a captivating port city that still resonates with the echoes of its 16th-century founding. With its charming town squares, cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and vibrant colors, this walled city offers a unique blend of history and beauty.
Gabriel García Márquez found inspiration in Cartagena, claiming that he completed his education as a writer during his time here. From 1948 to 1949, he called this place home and continued to visit frequently thereafter. His connection to the city adds to its allure and literary significance.
Travel writer Anand Giridharadas aptly describes Cartagena as “a city that seamlessly combines seediness and charm. It is a place where the extraordinary seems almost ordinary, where toucans gracefully land on tables at the city’s finest hotel. Cartagena’s enchanting atmosphere provides the backdrop for García Márquez’s magical tales,” as the city itself becomes the embodiment of his literary world.
The city, which was greatly cherished by García Márquez and even owned a vacation home by him, served as the inspiration for the enchanting setting of the renowned love story, ‘Love in the Time of Cholera.’ The Park of the Evangels, a prominent location in Cartagena, forms the basis for the captivating novel. Fermina’s house, in particular, resembles a residence situated on the eastern side of the Plaza Fernández de Madrid.
Likewise, the Plaza Bolívar serves as the inspiration for the novels ‘Arcade of the Scribes,’ creating a parallel between the fictional world and the real-life plaza. In a documentary, García Márquez eloquently expressed, “All my books contain fragments of Cartagena. And as time passes, whenever I need to summon memories, I invariably recall an incident, a place, or a character from Cartagena.”
The profound influence of Cartagena on García Márquez’s literary works is undeniable. The city’s essence weaves through the pages of his novels, infusing them with a sense of magic and nostalgia. With each passing moment, the memories of Cartagena continue to shape the author’s creative spirit, forever leaving an indelible mark on his remarkable storytelling.
Magical Realism in Love in the Time of Cholera
Gabriel García Márquez is widely recognized for his exceptional command of magical realism, a literary technique that flawlessly intertwines extraordinary elements with the mundane. Within the pages of ‘Love in the Time of Cholera,’ magical realism assumes a pivotal role in molding the narrative and enriching the exploration of love, time, and the intricate dynamics of human connections. An example of this technique is seen in the riverboat journey embarked upon by Florentino and Fermina along the Magdalena River. It is replete with surreal and dreamlike elements. As the boat gracefully glides through an ethereal and timeless landscape, the voyage assumes the role of a metaphor, symbolizing the transcendental essence of their profound love. This captivating expedition blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, engendering an enchanting and magical ambiance. Another standout example is when Fermina decides to write a letter to Florentino expressing her feelings after her husband’s death; the letter takes on a life of its own. The letter flies away, defying the laws of physics, and reaches Florentino, symbolizing the transcendence of barriers and the magical nature of love.
