Chapter 9 Summary

The war drags on. The revolutionary forces become disillusioned and cynical. Colonel Aureliano Buendia becomes vicious and distant - his assistants draw a 10' circle in chalk about him whenever he stops, and all are forbidden from approaching him. He burns the house of Moncada's widow because she forbids him entrance. He loses his sense of self, his vigor, and his warmth. Even his revolutionary friends begin to shun him. He engages in political intrigue within the revolutionary forces and causes a rival leader to be executed to gain total control. Ultimately he withdraws nearly completely from command, leaving all his decisions to happenstance - the revolution begins to lose support and falter. Colonel Aureliano Buendia returns to Macondo with three prostitutes and sleeps away the days.

A delegation from the liberal revolutionary party visits Macondo. They urge Colonel Aureliano Buendia to mitigate...