Episode 7 of "One Hundred Years of Solitude" begins with Arcadio, clad in a general's regalia, rallying the remnants of youthful boys to serve as his soldiers and addressing the populace of Macondo with authority. Initially, amusement ripples through the crowd as they behold his mock military attire. However, their mirth is soon supplanted by concern when he enjoins them to wear red bandannas as tokens of support for the liberals and mandates all male residents to report for military duty at the station. Although the townsfolk initially protest, they ultimately relent, recognizing the need to rally behind their sons and husbands who, alongside Aureliano, are risking their lives. Many dismiss Arcadio's antics as mere child's play, a fleeting indulgence in power.
Yet, a shift occurs as Arcadio's whimsical pretense evolves into a more sinister reality. He confines Father Nicanor within the church's confines and assists Jose Arcadio in imposing fines upon the Macondo residents. Furthermore, he initiates the training of young soldiers, deploying them as his enforcers to wield power within the town. Arcadio's actions swiftly become the subject of gossipy whispers throughout Macondo, particularly after he demands the levying of taxes. Matters escalate drastically when Arcadio takes the life of a local musician in a local tavern, a grim act meant to assert his authority.
Refusing to brook any mockery, Arcadio allows the thrill of power to cloud his senses. Pilar, worried for her son's welfare, visits him and cautions him to heed the counsel of women in the future. Ursula, too, intervenes, condemning Arcadio's actions and securing Father Nicanor's release.
Meanwhile, Aureliano leads his men on a perilous mission to liberate Colonel Carmona from captivity. Sadly, he is outnumbered and loses many of his loyal followers in the fray. Determined yet desolate, Aureliano chooses to venture forth alone in search of reinforcements. His journey leads him to the same treacherous swamp where his parents once narrowly escaped death. Like them, he finds himself trapped in a never-ending cycle of wandering until his mind succumbs to hallucinations, and he finds himself conversing with his deceased father.
He ultimately collapses into unconsciousness, only to be rescued by a compassionate woman who whisks him away to her abode and subsequently escorts him to Colonel Gregorio. The colonel, moved by his plight, readily agrees to lend a hand, and together they venture back to liberate the remaining captives. Aureliano assumes command of the liberal forces, guiding them in a daring rescue mission to reclaim Colonel Carmona. This time, their efforts bear fruit.
Back at the Buendia residence, Ursula valiantly strives to maintain normalcy. She often finds solace beneath the chestnut trees, sitting beside Jose and recounting the latest events. Tragedy strikes when Visitacion succumbs to illness, leaving her life savings to the liberal cause before passing. Both Ursula and Visitacion are haunted by the fear that their sons might starve while serving the liberal army.
Meanwhile, Pietro's affection for Amaranta deepens, prompting him to propose marriage. However, she politely declines his offer. Despite his efforts to serenade her each morning, she remains steadfast in her refusal. Heartbroken and desperate, Pietro takes his own life. Ursula, blaming Amaranta for his demise, hardens her stance against her, leading to a tragic accident where Amaranta accidentally burns her hand in an open flame.
As Macondo's fortunes decline, Catarino approaches Mascote, pleading for his assistance. Mascote, however, refuses the request. Arcadio's spies eavesdrop on the conversation and relay the information to their boss. Arcadio attempts to execute Mascote, but Ursula intervenes, publicly denouncing Arcadio and daring him to repeat such actions. She reveals receiving a letter announcing Aureliano's demise, urging Arcadio to honor her son's memory. Following this incident, Ursula once again takes charge of the town, though the weight of her responsibilities brings her to tears.
A few days hence, Colonel Gregorio, disguised as a woman, makes a dramatic entrance to warn Arcadio of the approaching conservative army. Gregorio claims to have been sent by Aureliano, but his story falls on deaf ears. He urges them to surrender and allow Aureliano to execute a plan to salvage the town. Regrettably, Arcadio realizes the significance of Pilar's warning too late. By "a woman," she had referred to Gregorio, cleverly concealed in feminine attire.
Arcadio steadfastly refused to yield, sparking a tragic bloodshed that enveloped the entire town in sorrow. Eventually, he was apprehended and met his fate outside the tranquil confines of the town cemetery. Rebeca and Jose Arcadio, helpless and heartbroken, could only stand by as silent witnesses to this grim spectacle. In his final, poignant requests, Arcadio implored for the names of the unborn children his heavily pregnant wife carried within her. He yearned for them to be named in honor of their grandparents, a final, heartfelt tribute to his lineage.
