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One Hundred Years of Solitude

by Gabriel García Márquez

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Student Question

What is the relationship between Ursula Buendia in "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and 19th-century women?

Quick answer:

Ursula Buendia embodies the dual nature of 19th-century women who were seen as family anchors and subservient to men but possessed inner strength and resilience. Like many Victorian women, she adheres to traditional roles and religious practices, appearing subjugated. However, Ursula's true power lies in her ability to keep her family grounded and united, reflecting the hidden influence and strength of women from that era.

Expert Answers

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Nineteenth century women, the Victorian era women particularly, were perceived as the matrons of the family, the anchor of the homefront, and the subservants of the husband. Yet, they also were known for having underneath that stigma a strong resilience, and an inner power that could drive lots of change around them. Yet, many prefered to hide behind the naive, and sophisticated look of the family martyr in order to obtain the voice that they so relished to have.

Ursula is exactly this type of female. She conforms to the role of mother and does everything to keep the family together. She tries to abide by strict religious practices of chastity, and to the naked eye would look like a subjugated woman. Still, she is perhaps the only sane and most powerful character of her entire family and the only one who truly brings them down to earth and anchors them to reality. This is how she resembles the personality and mannerisms of the 19th century prototype female.

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