An Introduction to Magical Realism

A simple definition: Magical realism is a literary genre in which realistic narrative is combined with surreal elements. (Surreal, adj: very strange or unusual; having the quality of a dream)

 In magical realism, the magic elements are a natural part of the world.  The magic in the story is often strange (it doesn't seem to fit in with the world as we know it), but it is accepted in the story.  Excellent magic realism uses magic without making you think about it - the magic is seamlessly integrated with the real world.

 Magical realism stories take place in a realistic setting. This usually means that the story is based in the "real world" rather than a fantasy land.  Aside from the magical element, the plot is realistic and believable.  The characters in magic realism stories are also very realistic and deal with everyday issues.

 Magical realism takes place in a realistic setting, in regards to time and place, rather than in a fantasy world or futuristic space NO

 There's a poetic nature to the prose.  Not only is there a magical element in the plot, but there's also a magical element to the writing.

 Phrase was coined by Franz Roh, a German art critic, and used to describe art  In the mid-20 th century, the phrase became most commonly associated with Latin American writers and literature

 Gabriel Garcia Marquez  Columbia,  Jorge Luis Borges  Argentina,  Gunter Grass  Germany,  Salman Rushdie  India, 1947-

 He lived in Aracataca, Colombia, a banana town by the Caribbean.  His grandparents were his most important relatives, and influenced him and his writing later on.

 His grandfather was a general, a hero and a great story teller.  His grandmother was very superstitious. She filled the house with stories of ghosts and premonitions.

1. The frame or surface of the work may be conventionally realistic, even mundane.

2. Elements of fairy tale, mythology or other supernatural elements combine with everyday people, settings, and situations.

3. Dreams are described often and in vivid detail  Characters usually consider dreams as premonitions  Dreams very often come true

4. Characters do not often question these surreal occurrences; they are accepted and dealt with as natural, even expected.

5. Stories have a strong narrative drive, meaning that the surreal elements do not drive the story, only enhance it.

 As you watch this short film clip, write down examples of magical realism- look for the characteristics we’ve just discussed.clip

For our unit on magical realism, you will read one novel and several short stories. There are 4 novel choices, to be read in literature circles. The novel choices are…

By Gabriel Garcia Marquez A novella published in It tells, in the form of a journalistic reconstruction, the story of the murder of Santiago Nasar by the two Vicario brothers.

By Paulo Coelho The Alchemist follows a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago in his journey to Egypt, after having a recurring dream of finding treasure there.

By Laura Esquivel The novel follows the story of a young girl named Tita who longs her entire life to marry her lover, but can never have him because of a family tradition in which the youngest daughter never marries, but takes care of her mother until the day she dies. Tita is only able to express herself when she cooks.

By Gabriel Garcia Marquez *Challenge Choice* One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendía family. It is widely considered to be Marquez’s masterpiece.