"One Hundred Years of Solitude" The Power of Ursula

There is definitely an underlying tone of matriarchal power in,”One hundred years of solitude”. Ursula shows her power in many ways. Although Arcadio is in charge, a rigid dictator terrorizing and imparting his will on all his subjects with his rules and regulations, when Ursula confronts him he cowers. Arcadio is ready to open fire at her but she just seems to push through any authority fearlessly and whips him into submission. It is almost as if she is severely scolding him. In addition, Ursula without thought of any consequence releases the prisoners and leaves. There does not seem to be any reluctance to her taking over the post of power and establishing a new regime. She just does it and nobody stands up to her. It is as if everyone needs her to take charge so they can return to some kind of peaceful existence. Like a mother protecting her children. They seem to want her to put her foot down. She protects and decides for Macondo. In one instance she changes everything. Ursula also controls the feelings of her husband as she realizes that by not complaining to him she protects him from what is disastrous in their life and keeps him happy in his “dead” state. She also stands up to Father Nicanor. He stands no chance. Ursula just tells him what she is doing. However, as decisive as Ursula is she is not lacking in passion. One feels her energy with her every move. “This is what I am doing and that is that.” Around her, her life is caving in but she will fight for her “brood”.