The author shows how harsh it can be for a new outsider, as his only options are to become beaten to death or locked in a chicken cage. This particular theme is relevant to how people may view outsiders or things that they are not familiar with.

             "The whole neighborhood, without the slightest reverence, tossed him things to eat through the openings in the wire as if he weren't a supernatural creature but a circus animal"(Marquez 354). The towns people came to see the angel and had many ideas for him and wondered about his purpose there but ultimately they wanted something from him. "Even the most merciful threw stones at him"(Marquez 355). The author points out in this particular text that even people perceived to have some compassion, decide to let their cruel animal nature overwhelm them as they pelt the creature with stones. This was done only so they could get a rise out of the creature laying in the chicken cage. The one constant was that the angel had only one apparent supernatural virtue of patience which the people seemed to despise because they wanted more from such a different creature. The people continued to treat him like an animal and even tired to brand him like farmers do with their cattle just so they could see him stand. The branding of the angel or the man with wings whichever it may be is downright disgusting and shows the true colors of the townspeople and resembles the traits many have today.

             Marquez shows the selfish behavior of human nature by pointing out how many people came from all over to see if this angel could heal them or do something for them. The cripples pulled out feathers off his wings as he lay asleep so they could rub them on their defective parts. If he was truly an angel or not then the bible would be relevant all the same, and one of many meanings in the bible is to do more for others than you do for yourself. The author uses this theme and shows how contradictory and ignorant the people are to their own beliefs.