Span 312: Marquez Blog #1

It’s exciting to finally get to this book because it deals with such a mythic figure in Latin American history. I have spent time in Cuba and read many pieces of Latin American non-fiction literature in which Bolivar is omni-present, and with the continued development of MERCUSOR the specter of Bolivar appears stronger than ever. Generally, he is portrayed as the liberator of Latin America so it is of interest to read about him in the context of a course themed on the dictator novel. Marquez paints a tragic and contradictory picture of Bolivar. In the first three pages we come to understand his love life, his failing emotional, physical and mental state, as well as his crumbling political project. First and foremost we see his devouring weakness, but this is undergirded by the remains of an immense strength. It is almost as if Bolivar’s health mirrors his military career. In the depths of weakness he rises from “the ashes” again and again, surprising even those closest to him, such as Jose Palacios when he rises from the motionless depths of his early morning bath. Every night he descends into dementia and wakes up lucid. The question that will be answered in the second part of the book (I believe) is whether this is representative of his whole life at some level. Has he always had elements of insanity, vulnerability and madness, but in different proportions?

Also of interest in the first part of this novel is his relationship with his faithful servant Jose Palacios, because it comes on the heels of “I the Supreme”. Bolivar, like Dr. Francia has to rely completely his assistant, although Palacios is not his scribe in the same fashion. Despite this dissimilarity between the two assistants they both bring to light to the vulnerability of all dictators or military leaders: they must put their total faith in those closest to them to keep their sanity. In contrast to Dr. Francia’s insane mistrust of Patino, Bolivar seems to trust Jose Palacios entirely. I will be watching how this relationship develops throughout the novel.