of Macondo. Similarly, Aureliano commands respect from his subordinates and has enormous power over other men as well. After being captured by the enemy, Aureliano is not executed because the Conservative firing squad is only too happy to switch sides and follow him into the Liberal army. Colonel Aureliano appears to be immortal and ubiquitous, returning triumphant, surviving numerous assassination attempts, and continuing to hold the loyalty of his friends. When his comrade in-arms and oldest friend, Colonel Gerineldo Márquez, proposes marriage to Aureliano’s sister, Amaranta boldly rejects him because “[Gerineldo] loves Aureliano so much [he] wants to marry [her] because [he] can’t marry [Aureliano].” The Colonel has great allegiance and affection from those below him. However, as Aureliano’s attitudes change, he loses their love and respect. After fighting many battles, Aureliano becomes increasingly cynical and corrupt. He comes to understand his own thoughts by writing out his experiences in verse. In this way, he comes to the terrible realization that “[he] is fighting for pride.” As for what Gerineldo calls the “Great Liberal party,” Aureliano declares that it “doesn’t mean anything to anybody” because the only difference between the Liberals and the Conservatives is the different hours that each party attends mass.

Some topics in this essay:
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