Active Reading Chapter 9

"Colonel Gerineldo Marquez was the first to perceive the emptiness of the war." Many start to believe the war has no meaning anymore. Many have lost sight of the meaning of the war. Amaranta relieves the beauty of Remedios for the first time and hopes she doesn't become jealous of her. Ursula is suprised by the change in Aureliano's behavior and appearance. General Teofilo Vargas, a full bloodied Indian, grew tired of the war and planned a rebellion. He is successful and takes over the Liberal Army. Colonel Aureliano, however, chops him up with a machete and takes command of the army.

Aureliano doesn't manage his power well. He usually lays in his hammock ignoring people. When liberal landowners ask permission to built churches Aureliano fiercely refuses. One of his officers objects to this, so Aureliano has him killed. Ursula, tried of seeing Aureliano misusing his power, visits him during one of his sleepless nights. She tells him "I swear to you by the bones of my father and mother, by the memory of José Arcadio Buendía, I swear to you before God that I will drag you out from wherever you’re hiding and kill you with my own two hands." She also says "It’s the same as if you’d been born with the tail of a pig."

After hearing this Aureliano changes his ways and tries to end the war. He soon, returns to Macondo, with a peace treaty between the Liberals and the Conservatives. Aureliano attempts to kill himself but fails. Oddly, he is given a medal of honor for surviving his suicide attempt.

Magical Realism: Aureliano surviving a direct shot to chest.

Theme: The theme of the chapter seems to be peace after turbulence.

Charecter Development: Aureliano changes his ways and becomes noble again. Ursula retakes her matriarch position.

Quotes: "Take them to the whores," Colonel Aureliano's response to the lawyers seeking shelter.

"It’s the same as if you’d been born with the tail of a pig." Ursula telling Aureliano he is acting like and animal.