What is Magical realism? Magical Realism is a genre of literature that describes the real world as having a feeling of magic or fantasy. Within a work of magical realism, the world is still stuck in the real world, but fantastical elements are considered normal in this world.
What are the features of Magical Realism?
Every magical realism novel is different, but there are certain things they all include, such as:
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Magical elements:
From talking objects to dead characters to thought transference, every magical realism story has fantastical components that do not occur in our world. However, they’re offered as normal within the novel.
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Realistic setting:
All magical realism novels take place in a setting in this world that’s familiar to the reader.
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Limited information:
Magical realism authors intentionally leave the magic in their stories mysterious and unexplained in order to stabilize it as much as possible and strengthen that it is part of everyday life.
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Critique:
Authors often use magical realism to offer an inherent criticism of society, most especially politics, and the elite.
Unique plot structure:
Magical realism does not keep an eye on a classic narrative arc with a clear beginning, middle, and end like other literary genres. This makes for a more intense reading experience, as the reader does not know when the plot will advance or when the conflict will take place.
Who are the representative writers of Magical Realism?
Prominent representative writers are;
- Mikhail Bulgakov
- Carlos Fuentes
- Brazilian Jorge Amado
- Jorge Luis Borges
- Julio Cortazar
- Chilean Isabel Allende.
What are Famous Works of Magical Realism?
- The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (1982)
- Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie (1981)
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (1967)
- Red Sorghum by Mo Yan (1986)
- Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter (1984)
- Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987)