PM SHRI KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA

ARMY CANTT., PANGODE

English Project 2024-25

Exploring the Genre of Magical
Realism

Submitted by:
Nandana Dileep & Mukundan Vishnu
XII A

Under the Guidance of

Mrs. Raji
PGT(English)

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 CERTIFICATE
It is hereby to certify that, the original and
genuine investigation work has been carried
out to investigate about the subject matter
and the related data collection and
investigation has been completed solely,
sincerely and satisfactorily done by
NANDANA DILEEP and MUKUNDAN
VISHNU of Class XII A, Kendriya Vidyalaya
Pangode, regarding the project titled,
“Exploring the Genre of Magical Realism”
submitted for CBSE investigatory project.

Signature of the Guide

Principal’s Signature

Signature of External Examiner

Acknowledgement
A project is a golden opportunity for learning
and self-development. We consider
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ourselves fortunate and privileged to have
such wonderful mentors guide us through
the journey for the completion of the
project.
My sincere thanks to Mr. Rakesh K,
Principal, PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya,
Pangode, who despite being extraordinarily
busy took time out to address us and guide
us.
My heartfelt gratitude to our Teacher Guide,
Mrs. Raji, for her patience and belief in us.
Her exemplary investment in the complete
process, constant encouragement and
insightful feedback helped us achieve our
objective/s.
We would also like to thank The Principal
and faculty of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya
Pangode, for allowing us to conduct our
research amidst them.
Lastly, we would like to thank our family
members whose support helped us to
complete the project within the deadline.

CONTENTS

Sr. Content Page

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No No.

1. Objective 4

2. Introduction 5

3. Report 6

4. Reflection

5. Bibliography

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 OBJECTIVE
⮚ To Analyse the Relationship Between
Reality and Fantastical Elements in
Magical Realism
⮚ To Identify Key Features and
Characteristics of Magical Realism
⮚ To Explore the Significance of Magical
Realism on the Readers
⮚ To Examine Themes of Identity, Memory,
and Time in Magical Realism
⮚ To Explore the Literary Works in Magical
Realism and Analyse them.

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 INTRODUCTION
Magical realism is a literary genre that
blends the ordinary with the extraordinary,
creating a world where magical elements
coexist seamlessly with the mundane.
In this genre, realism is seamlessly blended
with fantasy elements which are often not
used in serious contexts.
Magical Realism is a strategy employed by
the writer which sustains the seriousness of
the theme.
In this investigatory project, we will explore
the genre of magical realism, focusing on its
key characteristics, its contemporary
relevance, and the way this fusion of
realities offers unique insights into the
human experience.

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 Why magical realism and
fantasy are not the same
Before delving into the genre of magical realism,
it is important to understand that magical realism
is not the same as fantasy. Magical realism
successfully blurs the fine line between reality
and fantasy without making the absurdity of
magical elements in daily lives of the characters
seem obvious. Meanwhile, fantasy, on the other
hand, transcends the problems of the real world
and the author creates an entirely new world
which the reader has to accept without
hesitation.
Fantasy literature is meant to merely entertain
the reader. It creates an unrealistic world where
unrealistic events take place. In spite of being
unrealistic, the readers can enjoy it for the sake
of pleasure/entertainment. Books like Tolkien’s
Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter novels can be
quoted as examples of fantasy literature.
On the other hand, magical realism differs from
pure fantasy literature because it is set in a
normal, modern world with authentic and realistic
descriptions of humans and society. Gabriel

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Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude
is one of the best examples for magical realism.
Another factor that differentiates magical realism
from fantasy is “seriousness”. Fantasy doesn’t
use elements from our daily lives in its works. But
magical realism uses history, myths, politics and
cultural customs as elements of the stories. The
usage of elements from our daily lives
intertwines reality and magic in literature.
Magical realism doesn’t let its characters fall
away from the problems that a normal human
being would face in reality.
The following table may help to understand the
differences between magical realism and fantasy:

Magical realism Fantasy

Serious and significant No seriousness
Use of history and Myths may be
myths employed but with
much or no
significance
Realistic due to Unrealistic because of
contemporary the fantastical world
relevance

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Amalgamation of Only fantasy, no
realism and fantasy realism

ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF

MAGICAL REALISM
Magical realism originated in Latin America in
the early-to-mid 20th century, with key figures
like Gabriel García Márquez, Jorge Luis
Borges, and Isabel Allende helping to shape
the genre. It developed as a response to the
cultural and political realities of the region,
blending the everyday with the supernatural to
reflect the complexity of life in post-colonial
societies. Though it is said magical realism
originated in Latin America, there has been
several famous authors in the literary world who
has used elements of magical realism in their
works. Some examples would be The
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and 1984 by
George Orwell.
The genre spread globally, influencing writers
from various cultures, including Japan. Japanese
authors like Haruki Murakami incorporated
magical realist elements, blending surrealism
and the ordinary. In his novel Kafka on the Shore,
Murakami uses magical realism to explore the
themes of identity, memory, and fate. Such as
the world of Kafka Tamura and the supernatural
events tied to his journey—showing how magical

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realism can transcend cultural boundaries,
blending dream-like elements with the real world.

Analysis of magical
realism books
One Hundred Days of Solitude
– Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
– Haruki Murakami

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 Impact of Magical Realism on
the Readers
Magical realism has a significant effect on
readers, often providing a unique lens
through which to view the world. While
escapism can be one of its appeals, the
genre's impact goes beyond mere escape.
The blending of the magical and the real
encourages readers to question their
perceptions of what is possible and to
reconsider the boundaries between the
ordinary and the extraordinary. In many
ways, it allows for a more nuanced view of
life, where the magical elements serve to
highlight aspects of human experience such
as love, loss, or injustice that might otherwise
be overlooked.

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