In the famous novel One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, the narrative frequently utilizes flashbacks to enhance the reader's understanding of the Buendía family's legacy. Consider a moment in the story when the matriarch, Úrsula Iguarán, reflects on her early life and the decisions that led to the founding of Macondo. This retrospective examination reveals key motivations behind current events and deepens the thematic exploration of solitude and repetitiveness across generations.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the flashback in this context?