Park Ridge Library Discussion Questions
LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

  1. What environmental issues does Garcia Marquez introduce into the novel?

  2. Contrast Jeremiah de Saint Amour's views of old age to those of Florentino.

  3. What is the meaning of the title? Some ideas:

  4. The sense of smell is important to the plot. Can you give examples?

  5. What is the role of family?

  6. How does the author debunk stereotypical notions of love in the novel?

  7. Discus Garcia Marquez's use of humor.

  8. What is the role of the river?

  9. Is there any magical realism in the story?

  10. One of Garcia Marquez's trademarks is the development of lots of oddball characters. Name one of your favorites.

  11. Love, of course, is the theme of the novel and it is presented in many different forms. What is Garcia Marquez saying about love?

  12. What is the role of women in the society?

  13. There's a great deal of concern about body parts and functions. Is this cultural or part of Garcia Marquez's style?

  14. How does aging affect love?

  15. Describe the doctor. Do you like him?

  16. The passage of time is presented through inventions, such as the telephone and the airplane. What is the author saying about Columbia and its process through history?

  17. Why is Joseph Conrad in the story?

  18. One critic notes that the author provides "cold water shocks" of plot (such as the sudden death of the doctor). Do you like the plot twists?

  19. What is the significance of the fight over the bar of soap?

  20. What is the role of letters in the story?

Questions created by Vivian Mortensen, Head of Reader Services at the Park Ridge Public Library.