Masculinity In 'Autumn Of The Patriarch': A Summary

The idea of masculinity, furthermore, the status of masculinity as a preconditional trait of the autocratic leader— regarded as a necessity in assuaging the otherwise rebellious and uncontrollable masses. Despite the perceived strength and “infallible” nature of masculinity, in “Autumn of the Patriarch,” Marquez demonstrates that that these traits can serve to one’s detriment unless there is wisdom and self-awareness to moderate it. He accomplishes this by presenting the General-- a character that is perceived as the epitomization of masculinity, and therefore, its inherent faults. Through the General’s interactions with his masculinity, it is shown that he is constantly unable to come to grips with its power over him, and due to this failure,

It seems that in these instances of death, the assumed strength and virility (ergo, the masculinity) of the Generals served no use in the preservation of their lives. Of the embarrassing deaths mentioned, General Lopez’s evokes a distinct imagery--additionally, it demonstrates how masculinity can serve to one’s detriment, beyond the idea of masculinity serving no purpose in cases of imminent mortality. General Lopez commits suicide as a result of an “unconquerable pederasty.” Pederasty, a word with its origins in Ancient Greece, is used to describe a homosexual (typically erotic) relationship between an adult male and pubescent male. It is a commonly held notion that in situations of pederasty, the adult male would hold the “masculine” position in these relationships. This context allows us to postulate that Lopez’s “unconquerable pederasty” was a by-product of his masculinity. Furthermore, we can conclude that Lopez’s pederasty is unconquerable because it is inextricably connected to his masculinity, ergo, his being. In a society that is predominantly Christian (demonstrated by the language used in the book), it is clear why General Lopez could only imagine the conquering of his pederasty by imagining the end of his life. For the reader, this should serve as a damning harbinger of the dangers the General may face in the future, as a result of his preeminent masculinity. In regards to the individual, this has striking implications. Based on the first two instances in which the Generals die, it seems that their masculinity has no potential utility in saving them-- meaning that masculinity could not help them in fighting or persevering in their situation. In the final instance, it shows that masculinity can be a counterintuitive force, ensuring the eventual destruction of the beholder. For Lopez, this was shown through his inability to