In "Love in the Time of Cholera," Gabriel García Márquez explores the theme of how societal norms and prejudices can bind individuals, particularly men. Through the narrative, he highlights the struggles men face as they navigate their roles in a world filled with expectations and judgments. This often leads to a sense of frustration and confinement, as their desires and emotions are overshadowed by the weight of societal constraints.
The quote "We men are the miserable slaves of prejudice" encapsulates this idea, suggesting that men are trapped by preconceived notions of masculinity and behavior. These constraints not only affect their relationships but also their personal fulfillment, as they grapple with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to conform to societal ideals. Márquez's work delves deeply into the impacts of these prejudices, showing how they can shape lives and love in profound ways.