Magical Realism

Magical realism is fiction genre in which magical elements blend to create a realistic atmosphere that accesses a deeper understanding of reality. Also, magical realism portrays fantastical events in an otherwise realistic tone. It brings fables, folk tales, and myths into contemporary social relevance. Fantasy traits given to characters, such as levitation, telepathy, and telekinesis, help to encompass modern political realities that can be phantasmagorical

A well-known writer that uses magical realism on his work is Gabriel García Marquez. He was born in Aracataca, Colombia, on March 6, 1928.  He published his first book of short stories, Leafstorm and Other Stories in 1955. His most famous work is his novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude was published in 1967. In 1982, he won the Nobel prize for literature. 






Gabriel García Márquez uses the technique of magical realism in his novels as well as his short stories. Marquez uses magical realism to blend reality and fantasy so that the distinction between the two erases.  An example of this technique comes from the story "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" where an angel falls to the Earth because of a violent rainstorm. When the angel is found by Pelayo and Elisenda, they are shocked to see an angel, and yet they never question its existence.




 
Opinion

It's important to know that this genre is not about fantasy as seen on Disney movies or similar. In fact, there are many definitions about magical realism; this causes a non exact meaning. Besides, it is different from fantasy literature as movies try to sell us because there are many characteristics such as the following: the story, as it unfolds, gives the reader a sense of being inside a puzzle or maze; creates a space for interaction and diversity, hybridity; on the boundaries and destabilizes normative opposition.