What is the symbolic significance of the old man and his enormous wings?

The decrepit angel is symbolic of Pelayo's and Elisenda's lack of faith. The extension of this becomes mans' lack of faith in his own belief system. The angel is crippled, lice-ridden, and filthy. THe old man does not conform with the very narrow "cartoon" like image of what a Catholic angel should look like. THe angel is a Christ-fifgure much like the real Christ who people disbelieved and mocked.