The Paper Birds Symbol Analysis

The paper birds that Senator Onésimo Sánchez’s aides throw into the air during his speech to his constituents symbolize the deceitful nature of politics. During the senator’s speech, when political theater is at its height, the paper birds appear to “take on life” and fly out to sea. These birds are described in a contradictory way as “artificial creatures” (“creatures” suggesting living beings and “artificial” acknowledging that they are not, in fact, alive). These paper birds are embodiments of the hollow promises that politicians make, since these promises can seem real when there is enough fanfare, but they’re often proved empty when all of the excitement dies down. Indeed, later on, when in his office with only the “important” people of Rosal del Virrey, the senator admits that they “can’t, of course, eat paper birds.” The senator’s acknowledgement of the performance that the birds put on shows his acceptance of the deceptive nature of political spectacle. By having the birds appear real in one scene only to confirm their artificiality in another, García Márquez draws attention to the tricks and illusions of politicians.