JPA - Aura

Aura

There are many ways at which Fuentes has attached magic realism to this novel. While reading the book you can visible see comparison or old vs. new, light vs. dark, and young vs. old. The comparison of old and new is visible right at the start of the book when Felipe is walking down the street trying to find the address written on the advertisement. Felipe is continuously commenting on the number of the buildings, how some were old and how others had been changed to a new number. When he finally finds building 815 he comments on how it was formerly number 69. Once Felipe enters the building we are immediately introduced to that comparison of light and darkness. Felipe had lived in a world full of light however inside the house it is always dark. Felipe darkness is present when Felipe describes following Aura to his room only by her sounds and not the sight of her walking in front of him. Also, Felipe talks about freeing Aura from Consuelo’s shadow and helping her find her own life, helping her see the light of the rest of the world. The biggest use of magical realism in the book is the old vs. young relationship that is seen between Consuelo and Aura. Consuelo needs to have Aura around because she portrays the younger, beautiful woman that Consuelo was in her past. Also, the relationship between Aura and Felipe is a way of helping Consuelo deal with her lost husband. Their love is reincarnated in Aura and Felipe, which shows that Consuelo’s love for her husband will never be lost.

Mexican culture is clearly represented in this book through religion and prayer. Consuelo is constantly seen praying in her room and connecting with her lost husband. This is significant it shows how the Mexican culture is closely connected with their past generation through religion and prayer. Love for one another last far longer than life itself. People are always connected and love lasts forever.