Magical Realism Magical Realism Magical realism is the

Magical Realism

Magical Realism Magical realism is the union of opposites. – it challenges real versus supernatural Magical realism is characterized by two conflicting or different perspectives: – one based on a rational view of reality – the other on the acceptance of the supernatural as reality

Fantasy vs. Reality – Magical realism differs from pure fantasy primarily because it is set in a normal, modern world with authentic descriptions of humans and society. – According to Angel Flores, magical realism involves the fusion of the real and the fantastic.

Background The term "magical realism" was first introduced by Franz Roh, a German art critic, who considered magical realism an art category.

Characteristics of Magical Realism *Hybridity *Irony Regarding Author’s Perspective *Authorial Reticence *The Supernatural and Natural

Hybridity Specifically, magical realism is illustrated in the inharmonious arenas of such opposites as urban and rural. The plots of magical realist works involve issues of borders, mixing, and change.

Irony Regarding Author’s Perspective The writer must have distance from the magical world in order for the realism not to be compromised. The writer must strongly respect the magic, or else the magic dissolves into simple folk belief or complete fantasy.

Authorial Reticence Authorial reticence refers to the lack of clear opinions about the accuracy of events and the credibility of the world views expressed by the characters in the text. This technique promotes acceptance in magical realism.

The Supernatural and Natural In magical realism, the supernatural is not questionable. While the reader realizes that the rational and irrational are opposite ideas. The supernatural is intertwined within the norms of perception of the narrator and characters in the fictional world.

Themes The idea of terror overwhelms the possibility of rejuvenation in magical realism. Time is frequently displayed time jumps that make stories confusing. Fantasy elements are never explained, just accepted. Characters accept the magical elements, they don’t question them. Stories use symbols and imagery extensively.

Themes continued Incorporates legend or folklore. Stories are presented from multiple perspectives. The ending always leaves the reader uncertain.

Magical Realism Distinguishing Between Different Types of Literature Fantasy Science Fiction Myths Fairy Tales The setting usually involves everyday situations. However, it is often set on the premise of a revolution. transcend the world of reality. The fantasy world is vividly and convincingly described, regardless of how fantastical it may be focus primarily on settings in the Set in the most future and remote past. It ancient era of a includes all time travel stories culture’s history. and may include places from other planets, dimensions, etc. Typically set in an unusual land set far, far away. The characters are Characters common people who may experience extraordinary events; but they do not question them. well-developed and behave in believable ways. They may be fantastic creatures or they can appear to be ordinary usually more stereotyped than in other genres; characters may be robots or visitors to this planet; main character is usually a strong adventurer with a background in science or pseudo -science often involves deities and human interactions with those deities. Deities often possess human characteristics or flaws. folkloric characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and talking animals well-structured and believable too. They have logical actions. Magic is an essential element of the plot many events that are recounted are possible in the future such as robots, space or time travel, interplanetary war, etc. ; usually includes science, technology, and invention both ordinary and extraordinary events are used to tell the story. Typically the extraordinary events are caused by the deities often involving a farfetched sequence of events Setting Plots Extraordinary events that occur in ordinary situations. There is usually some sort of play with the nonlinear use of time with these events.

hybridity; union of Themes opposites; terror; supernatural vs. natural; fantasy vs. reality Tone reflect the same universal ideas present in other forms of literature. Themes are typically woven into the story and developed metaphorically through the characters and their actions extensive use of often serious, though sensory details and stories are often light, imagery to provide airy, and humorous a validity of the event; authorial reticence Night Face Up, Like Eragon, Harry Potter, Examples Water for Lord of the Rings Chocolate, Big Fish reflect the idea of something more being “out there” currently or sometime in the future. Themes typically focus on technology and science. provide an explanation for natural events or a historical background for the culture usually involves some sort of moral lesson or advice often serious and matter-of- fairly matter of fact with a heavy reliance or fact, often with technological jargon historical and religious confidence usually very light and amusing; use of whimsical and fantastical diction Wrinkle in Time, Ender’s Game, Jurassic Park, I Robot, Starship Troopers Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Deadalus and Icarus, Orpheus and Eurydice, Perseus, Jason and the Argonauts

Magical Realist Authors Gabriel Garcia Marquez “The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” & “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” Latin America Ben Okri “The Famished Road” Africa Isabel Allende “The House of Spirits” Latin America David Wallace “The Broom of the System” USA Octavio Paz “My Life with the Wave” Latin America Toni Morrison “Song of Solomon” USA Laura Esquivel “Like Water For Chocolate” Latin America Julio Cortazar “Night Face Up” Latin America J. G. Ballard “The Drowned Giant” England

Magical Realism in Music Get out your homework handout from last night! And the writing utensil you used! Discussion: Who looked up the song and listened to it? What did you think of it? What are some of the references to magic that you found? Why? Now that we have gone over the characteristics of magical realism, mark any more references that you see or mark out any you changed your mind about. What are they and why?

Magical Realism and Art

Magical Realism vs. Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early-1920 s, and is best known for the visual artworks and writings of the group members. The works feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur.

L'Ange du Foyer ou le Triomphe du Surréalisme by Max Ernst, 1937.

Surautomism Automatism is a surrealist technique involving spontaneous writing, drawing, or the like practiced without conscious aesthetic or moral self-censorship. In automatic drawing, the hand is allowed to move 'randomly' across the paper. In applying chance and accident to mark-making, drawing is to a large extent freed of rational control. Hence the drawing produced may be attributed in part to the subconscious and may reveal something of the psyche, which would otherwise be repressed. Andre Masson, 1924 Automatic Drawing

Small Group Discussion Get with a partner-some one sitting next to you! Each group will be given a painting that was done by Salvador Dali You will analyze the painting by filling in the handout Complete the handout with your partner QUIETLY Every person must turn in their own handout- so BOTH of you must complete it

Magic Realism Films Amelie American Beauty Being John Malkovich Big Fish The Boy Who Could Fly Chocolat Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Donnie Darko Edward Scissorhands Field of Dreams It's a Wonderful Life Jumanji Like Water for Chocolate Magnolia Neverending Story 1 & 2 Pleasantville A Prelude to A Kiss Roxanne Simply Irresistible Toys The Truman Show Twin Peaks A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings A Walk In the Clouds The Wall

Magical Realism in Film Examples http: //youtu. be/LLpu. OCp. TH-k Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone http: //youtu. be/t. Fk 0 T 0 e. Qonw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button http: //youtu. be/Kh 3 r. Fsv_WSE Grimm (TV series) http: //youtu. be/S 2 T 7 d 8 j 6 I 5 I Twilight

Homework Assignment Create a list of at least TEN references in literature, movies, or culture that deal with the subject of magic. Then in a short paragraph, explain why you think that there is such a fascination with the magical world. Give at least two reasons in four sentences.