3. Write long answers to the following questions in about 150 words each. [2×5=10] a) It is human nature to exploit those who are weak, dependent and different. Explain this statement with reference…

a) It is human nature to exploit those who are weak, dependent and different. Explain this statement with reference to the story 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings'.

Gabriel García Márquez’s short story A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings vividly illustrates how human nature often leads to the exploitation of those who are perceived as weak, dependent, or different. The story centers on an old man with wings who crashes into Pelayo and Elisenda’s yard, sparking a series of events that reveal the cruel and opportunistic tendencies of society.

From the beginning, the old man is treated as a freak rather than a human being. Pelayo and Elisenda initially see him as a burden, locking him in the chicken coop instead of seeking help. This neglect reflects how people often disregard those who are vulnerable, assuming they have no rights or dignity. The villagers, rather than showing compassion, exploit the old man for their own gain. They charge money to see him, turning him into a spectacle for entertainment. Even the priest, who is supposed to represent moral authority, fails to protect him, instead using him as a tool to attract more people to the church.

The most disturbing aspect is how the old man’s suffering is ignored. When he is hurt and unable to fly, the villagers do not help him; instead, they continue to exploit him. His weakness makes him an easy target for cruelty, and his difference (his wings) makes him an object of fascination rather than a person deserving of respect. The story suggests that when people perceive others as weak or strange, they lose their humanity and treat them as mere objects for their own benefit.

Ultimately, the old man’s fate—being abandoned and left to die—highlights how society often discards those who no longer serve a purpose. The story serves as a critique of human nature, showing how easily people can be cruel when faced with someone who is different and powerless.

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b) What do you think would have happened if Mr. Durand had not committed suicide? What life options would you see in front of Mr. Durand?

In Facing Death by Graham Greene, Mr. Durand is a man trapped in a loveless marriage, struggling with depression and a sense of hopelessness. If he had not committed suicide, his life could have taken several possible directions, each offering different challenges and opportunities.

First, Durand might have sought professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to address his deep-seated despair. A skilled therapist could have helped him explore the root causes of his unhappiness—his failed marriage, his lack of purpose, and his feelings of isolation. This path would have required courage and self-awareness, but it could have led to emotional healing and a renewed sense of direction.

Second, Durand might have considered leaving his wife and starting over. He could have moved to a new place, taken up a new job, or even pursued a passion he had neglected. This would have been risky, as he would have had to rebuild his life from scratch, but it could have given him the freedom he desperately craved. However, financial instability and social stigma might have made this option difficult.

Third, Durand could have tried to reconnect with his wife on a deeper level, attempting to salvage their marriage through communication and mutual effort. This would have required both parties to be willing to change, but if successful, it could have led to a more fulfilling relationship. However, given the story’s portrayal of their cold and distant dynamic, this option seems unlikely.

Finally, Durand might have found solace in spiritual or philosophical exploration. He could have turned to religion, meditation, or existential philosophy to find meaning in his suffering. This path would have required introspection and patience, but it could have provided him with a sense of peace and purpose.

In conclusion, if Durand had not taken his own life, he would have faced difficult but meaningful choices. Whether through therapy, personal reinvention, marital reconciliation, or spiritual growth, he could have found a way to live a more fulfilling life—though each path would have come with its own struggles. His story serves as a reminder that even in despair, there are always options for change and redemption.