Love and Suicide ( Book Love in the time of Cholera) Research Proposal

Love and Suicide ( Book Love in the time of Cholera) - Research Proposal Example This story is one of the most remarkable pieces of literature, that portrays the theme of unrequited love, described by Thomas Pynchon describes as â€Å"one of those few rare works, that can even return our worn souls to us." (The New York Times Book Review) This superficial melodramatic plot is a disguise for a satiric examination of elements of love, ageing and disease. The novelist also explores the issue of suicide and gerent phobia. The process of aging, death and decay forms an important theme in the novel. In a style typical of Garcà ­a Mà ¡rquez there is a circular pattern to aging and the author on many occasions observes the reversal of roles of parents and children. The novelist keenly observes the process of aging and brings about the details of its encroachment. The suicide of Jeremiah de Saint-Amour was a result of his fear of old age. He planned to die at the age of sixty because he was not sure that he would be a productive human being at that age. This feeling of being unproductive, prompted him to plan his suicide years ago. Jeremiah Saint-Amours death inspires Urbino to meditate on his own death. He dwells especially on the infirmities that accompany it. On reading the novel, one realizes that the fears of old age were shared by many in his society. Ofelia, Fermina Daza’s daughter does not approve of her mother’s relationship with a man because of her age. She finds the idea of love in the old as ridiculous and revolting Another instance of suicide in the novel is that which is committed by Amà ©rica Vicuà ±ia, the fourteen year old ward of Florentino. She was a blood relative of Florentino who came under his care as a little girl with "the scrapes of elementary school on her knees." He spends a year cultivating her by spending childish afternoons with her and giving her ice-creams. He seduces her and wins her confidence. When Florentino is on the riverboat with Fermina Daza, the heartbroken Amà ©rica Vicuà ±ia commits suicide. Love in the