Magic Realism in Postmodern Literature: A Critical Study

Name of Author : Garima Singh

Abstract: The term Magic Realism was first used by German art critic namely Franz Roh in 1925 to describe a growing trend in visual arts which was about to replace expressionism which Franz Roh criticized for its exaggerated preference to fantastic and extraterrestrial objects whereas magic realism celebrates the mundane along with a tint of fantasy and magic. Later it was turned into a more significant literary movement around 1940s by Latin American writers and they are often credited for contributing significantly to make it a worldwide success and a globally acclaimed literary genre. It has now become a characteristic feature of postmodern literature widely used in literary works by writers from almost all countries of the world. In simple words Magic Realism means introduction of certain magical elements in the middle of a Realistic story. A writer on one hand paints a realistic and relatable world view in his work and simultaneously adds on certain elements of magic, wonder and fantasy in that seemingly realistic story this narrative technique is known as magic realism. The works of magic realism generally have unique plot structures. Main practitioners of magic realism in literature are Alejo Carpentier, Franz Kafka, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Salman Rushdie, Jorge Louis Borges, Neil Gaiman, Alice Hofmann, Nick Jaoquin and Nicola Barker etc. Main aim of this paper is to trace the origin of magic realism with special reference to the significant works of Postmodern literature that fall under the category of magic realism and to decode the purpose behind its deployment.

Keywords : Postmodern Literature, Magic, Realism, Fantasy, Wonder

DOI :