What truly happened to our generation’s belief in chivalry? As I sat in class the other day clinging on for dear life in support of love versus obsession, it hit me. Has our generation become so cynical that we cannot see true and powerful love when it is so eloquently written before our eyes? The words alone that Garcia Marquez uses to illustrate Florentino and Fermina is enough to convince me that these two characters are truly and deeply connected.
I feel that it is my duty as seemingly one of the minorities in this generation that still believes in true love to defend the blatant love that consumes Fermina and Florentino. Garcia Marquez uses the idea and message of “love” as symptomatic. Love is a disease that has taken over the mind of Florentino. It is clear that Marquez wishes to portray love and not obsession as he compares the symptoms of love to the symptoms of cholera. At the time, Cholera had whipped out a significant part of the population. Cholera controlled the people of Latin America just as love has controlled Florentino. Signs of obsession may come out of his desire to cure himself of his love, but, bottom line, love is too powerful to cure.
This incurable disorder that takes over Florentino’s mind and soul begins to drive him to insanity. Florentino physically suffers as a victim of love. The obstacles and trials that Florentino is willing to push past can only be fueled by his burning desire for Fermina. Obsession will take a man far, but love will absolutely take a man further. After Fermina rejects Florentino, he makes a vow to himself that he will forever wait for his true love. This, I must admit, is in fact an obsessive comment, but he is not truthful to his word. The fact that Florentino moves on to have many sexual relationships without true emotional connections, only further supports the idea that he used up all of true love on Fermina. By sleeping around meaninglessly, I believe that Florentino wishes to truly escape the obsessive elements of his relationship with Fermina. He wants to find a sexual escape in nameless women leaving him with mere feelings of naked love and passion for Fermina. He hopes to free his mind from Fermina’s suffocating hold in an endless search for happiness and liberty. It is impossible for him to let go.
Obsession is an enormous part of the love that Florentino feels for Fermina. Obsession fuels the love, but does not control the love. Florentino is not in control of his love. He seems to be controlled by a force, possibly a force of obsession. He is driven to Fermina. But, what is love without obsession? Obsession in one form or degree is present in all great relationships. Florentino yearns for his love with Fermina, just as anyone would yearn for someone they love. I can only hope that one day I have a love that is as romantic and grand as the one between Florentino and Fermina.(522)
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2 comments:
Gabigail--I'm certainly glad our class discussion got you riled up enough to write this very strong blog post. I'm also glad to know that there are at least a few believers in the grand passion theory of love. I was starting to think that most of your classmates were putting forth the idea that Florentino is one emotionally sick puppy. Thanks.
Abigail Abraham, I particularly enjoyed your views on Florentino's love. You take a view that seems to be in the minority (though one I support as well) in thinking that his love is perfectly logically if a little unsettling. As your progress through the novel, your views on Florentino should strengthen.
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