How is the winged man treated?
Consequently, what does the winged man symbolize?
Wings represent power, speed, and limitless freedom of motion.
Keeping this in consideration, what happens at the end of a very old man with enormous wings?
Pelayo and Elisenda build a new, bigger house and raise their son as the old man with wings continues to live outside. The old man with wings begins to get sick and loses his wings, but survives the tough winter. In the end, the old man with wings grows new feathers on his back and eventually flies away.
The angel in "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" is a mystery when he arrives, and he is a mystery when he leaves. Thus, he appears in the form of a very old man because he is a very old angel. His weakness and the eccentric nature of the miracles he performs seem to support this view.