MAGICAL REALISM

Magical realism is a literary genre that has gained popularity in recent years, and it's not difficult to see why. It allows writers to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a world that is both magical and believable. In this blog post, we will explore what magical realism is, its characteristics, and how to write it well.

What is Magical Realism?

Magical realism is a literary genre that combines elements of fantasy with realistic depictions of everyday life. It is often associated with Latin American literature, where it has its roots, but it has become a popular genre in other parts of the world as well.

In magical realism, the fantastical elements are presented in a way that is matter-of-fact, and they are often accepted as part of everyday life. For example, a character may have the ability to fly, but this ability is not presented as extraordinary, and no explanation is given for why this character can fly.

Magical realism blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a world that is both magical and believable. It allows writers to explore themes such as identity, culture, and spirituality, while also creating a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Characteristics of Magical Realism

Magical realism has several characteristics that distinguish it from other genres of literature. These characteristics include:

1. Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Fantasy

Magical realism blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a world that is both magical and believable. The fantastical elements are often presented in a matter-of-fact way, as if they are a normal part of everyday life.

2. Everyday Settings

Magical realism often takes place in everyday settings, such as small towns or rural areas. This creates a contrast between the fantastical elements and the mundane, highlighting the magical elements of the story.

3. Symbolism

Magical realism often uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. The fantastical elements in the story may represent something larger, such as a cultural tradition or a spiritual belief.

4. Multiple Narratives

Magical realism often uses multiple narratives, allowing the story to be told from different perspectives. This creates a sense of complexity and depth, allowing the reader to explore the story from different angles.

5. Lyrical Prose

Magical realism often uses lyrical prose, creating a sense of enchantment and wonder. The language is often poetic, adding to the magical quality of the story.

How to Write Magical Realism

Now that we have explored what magical realism is and its characteristics, let us examine how to write it well.

1. Start with Realism

Magical realism is rooted in realism, so it's important to start with a realistic setting and characters. This will create a contrast with the fantastical elements of the story, highlighting their magical quality.

2. Use Symbolism

Magical realism often uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. Think about what the fantastical elements in your story represent, whether it's a cultural tradition, a spiritual belief, or something else entirely.

3. Create a Sense of Enchantment

Magical realism should create a sense of enchantment and wonder. Use lyrical prose and descriptive language to create a vivid and magical world. Think about how the fantastical elements of your story can be presented in a matter-of-fact way, as if they are a normal part of everyday life.

4. Explore Multiple Narratives

Magical realism often uses multiple narratives to tell the story from different perspectives. This creates a sense of complexity and depth, allowing the reader to explore the story from different angles.

5. Be Selective with Fantastical Elements

Magical realism should not be overwhelmed with fantastical elements. Choose the elements that are most important to the story and use them sparingly. This will create a sense of balance and allow the fantastical elements to have more impact.

6. Create a Sense of Ambiguity

Magical realism often leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This allows the reader to interpret the story in their own way and creates a sense of mystery.

7. Pay Attention to Detail

Magical realism relies on the details of the story to create a vivid and believable world. Pay attention to the small details, such as the sounds and smells of the setting, to create a sense of realism.

8. Explore Themes

Magical realism often explores themes such as identity, culture, and spirituality. Use the fantastical elements of your story to explore these themes in a unique and meaningful way.

9. Revise and Edit

As with any genre of literature, it's important to revise and edit your work to ensure that it is the best it can be. Look for areas where the story could be tightened or expanded, and pay attention to the pacing of the story.

Examples of Magical Realism

To better understand how to write magical realism, let's take a look at some examples of the genre:

1. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

One Hundred Years of Solitude is perhaps the most famous example of magical realism. The story takes place in the fictional town of Macondo, where the fantastical elements are presented as a normal part of everyday life. For example, a character may be visited by the ghost of a dead relative, and this is presented in a matter-of-fact way.

2. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

The House of the Spirits is another example of magical realism. The story takes place in an unnamed South American country and explores themes such as family, politics, and spirituality. The fantastical elements in the story, such as a character who can levitate, are presented in a matter-of-fact way.

3. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Like Water for Chocolate is a magical realist novel set in Mexico. The story explores themes such as love, family, and tradition, and the fantastical elements are presented in a way that is both magical and believable. For example, a character's emotions are transferred to the food she cooks, causing those who eat it to feel the same emotions.

Magical realism is a literary genre that allows writers to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a world that is both magical and believable. It is rooted in realism, but the fantastical elements are presented in a matter-of-fact way, as if they are a normal part of everyday life. To write magical realism well, it's important to start with realism, use symbolism, create a sense of enchantment, explore multiple narratives, be selective with fantastical elements, create a sense of ambiguity, pay attention to detail, explore themes, and revise and edit. With these tips in mind, writers can create compelling and enchanting stories that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.