Do you “Really” Believe in Magic? An Introduction to Magical Realism

Elements of Magical Realism Transformation of the common and the everyday into the awesome and the unreal.

Elements of Magical Realism Elements of dreams, fairy story, or mythology combine with the everyday.

Elements of Magical Realism The frame or surface of the work may be conventionally realistic. Have a strong narrative drive.

Fantasy Heavily invested in magic and the supernatural, which are integral to plot, theme, or setting. Usually keeps clear of technology (unless set in a time when a technological civilization has completely crumbled), favoring rural settings and characters living in villages, clans, or kingdoms.

Elements of Fantasy characters may represent different species, but they are more mythical in nature, such as dwarves, elves, wizards, dragons, and monsters. Takes place in unspecified locations or times, as in customs are heavily accented to reinforce tribal or cultural identity

Elements of Fantasy An entire mythological backstory is usually provided to create believability while providing context for epic struggles between good and evil. Charms, spells, and talismans are staples of fantasy fiction.

Elements of Science Fiction Science Fiction is literary genre in which a background of science or pseudoscience is an important part of the story. Many of the events recounted are considered possible in the future: robots, space travel, interplanetary war, invasions from outer space.

Science Fiction The main characters are either humanoids or members of a different species. They may have unusual powers, such as telepathy or telekinesis, but rarely can they perform magic, per se, using incantations or spells..

Science Fiction Plots are generally plausible within their contexts of time and setting, and the narratives consist of action that the reader can imagine without too much difficulty There is a heavy focus on advanced technology (or its complete absence) Often carries thematic warnings relative to warfare, the abuse of technology, genetics, or an over-mechanized civilization.

Magical Realism, Authors Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Columbia, Jorge Luis Borges – Argentina, Guenter Grass – Germany, 1927-

Gabriel Garcia Marquez 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.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez 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.

Elements of Magical Realism Transformation of the common and the everyday into the awesome and the unreal. Examples: An angel is found in a mud puddle of the courtyard. The angel’s wings have parasites.

Elements of Magical Realism Elements of dreams, fairy story, or mythology combine with the everyday. Examples: Some townspeople thought the angel should be named mayor of the world or at least a 5-star general. A man couldn’t sleep because the noise of the stars disturbed him.

Elements of Magical Realism The frame or surface of the work may be conventionally realistic. Example: Townspeople, village, flood, chicken coop.

Elements of Magical Realism Have a strong narrative drive. Example: Wings are not the most important difference between a hawk and an airplane. They are even less important in recognizing an angel.