Summary Love in The Time of Cholera - Gabriel García Márquez
Summary Love in The Time of Cholera - Gabriel García Márquez
"Love in the Time of Cholera" is a novel written by the famous Colombian author Gabriel
García Márquez and published in 1985. It is a prominent work within the genre of magical
realism and has become one of the greatest examples of Latin American literature.
The story is set in the fictional Caribbean city of "Puerto Villanueva" during the late 19th
and early 20th centuries. The narrative revolves around the lives of three main characters:
Florentino Ariza, Fermina Daza, and Juvenal Urbino.
The plot centers on Florentino Ariza's unconditional and passionate love for Fermina
Daza since they were young. However, Fermina marries Juvenal Urbino, a respected and
successful doctor. Throughout the novel, the complexities of love and human
relationships over time are explored.
The story unfolds over more than half a century, and Márquez shows us how Florentino
keeps his passion for Fermina alive despite her marriage to Juvenal. Meanwhile, Fermina
experiences the ups and downs of her relationship with her husband, including the
challenges of fidelity and the routine in a long-lasting marriage.
The novel tackles themes such as the passage of time, old age, death, and the persistence
of love over the years. Márquez demonstrates how love can survive despite obstacles,
distances, and adverse circumstances. Florentino patiently waits for over fifty years to
declare his love again to Fermina after her husband's death.
The author also provides a vivid description of Caribbean society and culture during that
period. Through secondary characters, Márquez addresses topics such as colonialism,
politics, and everyday life in the region.
In summary, "Love in the Time of Cholera" is a novel that explores love over time,
showcasing the persistence and strength of the sentiment despite obstacles and adverse
circumstances. Through a rich and detailed narrative, Gabriel García Márquez immerses
us in a story of unconditional love that endures over more than half a century, leaving us
with profound reflections on human nature and the complexities of romantic
relationships.
MAIN CHARACTERS:
1. Florentino Ariza: He is the protagonist of the story and the eternal lover of Fermina
Daza. Throughout the novel, Florentino demonstrates unwavering passion and
loyalty towards Fermina, patiently waiting for decades to conquer her love.
2. Fermina Daza: She is the object of Florentino Ariza's love and the wife of Juvenal
Urbino. Fermina is a strong and independent woman who goes through her own
emotional journey throughout the story, facing the challenges of marriage and a
reunion with Florentino in the final stage of her life.
3. Juvenal Urbino: He is Fermina Daza's husband and a renowned doctor in the city.
Juvenal is a distinguished and pragmatic man who strives to maintain a happy
marriage while facing his own process of aging.
4. Leona Cassiani: She is a woman who has a love affair with Florentino Ariza for
several years. Leona represents one of Florentino's many love affairs and plays a
significant role in his life.
5. Tránsito Ariza: She is Florentino's mother and an important figure in his life.
Tránsito is a loving and understanding woman who supports her son in his
different love experiences.
6. Lorenzo Daza: He is Fermina's father and an authoritative and dominant
character. His opposition to the relationship between Fermina and Florentino
plays a significant role in the story.
7. América Vicuña: She is a young widow and a close friend of Fermina Daza. Her
relationship with Florentino Ariza becomes another significant love story in the
novel.
These are just some of the main characters in "Love in the Time of Cholera." The novel is
populated with a wide variety of secondary characters who contribute to the richness and
complexity of the story.