Magical Realism in The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Magical Realism in The House of the Spirits
Literary Context
Magical realism is a literary movement closely aligned with the European avant-garde. Although it attempts to reflect the realities of Latin America, many authors were heavily influenced by European trends, including avant-garde poetry, the novel, and Surrealism. Magical realism presents reality as wondrous or marvelous, and the marvelous as real. The most fantastical events are not presented as they would be in a traditional fairy tale.
This movement flourished in the 1960s and 1970s due to the clash between technology and superstition in Latin America. It also emerged as a literary response to the dictatorial regimes of the time.
Features of Magical Realism:
- Magical or fantastical elements are perceived as normal by the characters.
- Magic is part of the sensory perception of reality.
- Time is cyclical, not linear, and dissociated from modern rationality.
Historical Context of The House of the Spirits
The House of the Spirits tells the story of a family saga set in a Latin American country undergoing political and economic upheaval, including guerrilla warfare, class conflict, dictatorships, and the fight for freedom. It’s a saga of a family and a world, a story of authoritarianism, the excesses of imagination, and the interpretation of the unreal and illusory. The setting reflects the struggles and hopes of many Latin American countries.
The novel doesn’t mention specific cities or dates, but we can infer that the feudal-like system exists while World War I is taking place in Europe, as Esteban Trueba learns about the war on a transoceanic radio. The peasants live as they did in colonial times, unaware of unions, holidays, or minimum wage. Landowners, mine owners, and those who hold economic power maintain a social order based on indigenous enslavement. Rural areas adhere to a medieval social structure, while cities foster dissent.
The novel provides a clear depiction of Chilean society, the deep division between social classes, and the breakdown of an old system. Through its characters, we glimpse Chilean and Latin American history.
Characters
The characters in The House of the Spirits, both primary and secondary, evolve and undergo significant changes. Here are some of the key figures:
Clara del Valle
The youngest daughter of the del Valle family, Clara possesses a unique innocence, patience, and spiritual beauty. She also has extrasensory powers. Married to Esteban Trueba, she becomes the mother of Blanca, Jaime, and Nicolas. Throughout her life, she records her experiences in notebooks. Her eccentricities and kind heart endear her to many. Her death is a significant loss for the family.
Esteban Trueba
Esteban’s life unfolds throughout the book. Initially engaged to Rosa, her death leads him down a path of hardship. Only his love for Clara softens his heart. He has a strained relationship with his children and makes many enemies, including, tragically, his daughter’s lover. His involvement in politics brings unforeseen consequences.
Rosa del Valle (the Beautiful)
The most beautiful of Severo and Nivea del Valle’s daughters, Rosa has green hair and a mermaid-like appearance. Her only suitor is Esteban, and she dies a virgin from poison intended for her father. Her death deeply affects Clara, who stops speaking for years.
Severo and Nivea del Valle
Parents of fifteen children, many of whom die, Severo and Nivea are among the wealthiest in the region. They die in a car accident, and Nivea’s head is lost for days until Clara, using her powers, finds it on the day Blanca is born. Nivea’s head is kept in the basement of the Corner House for years, until Clara’s funeral.
Other Important Characters:
- Father Restrepo: A passionate priest known for his vocational zeal.
- Nana: A devoted caretaker for the del Valle and Trueba families.
- Férula Trueba: Esteban’s sister, who dedicates her life to caring for their sick mother and harbors unrequited love for Clara.
- Blanca Trueba del Valle: Clara and Esteban’s daughter, who falls in love with Pedro Tercero García.
- Pedro Tercero García: Blanca’s lover and a revolutionary figure.
- Esteban García: Esteban Trueba’s illegitimate grandson, who harbors resentment towards the family.
- Alba: Esteban Trueba’s granddaughter, who embodies hope and carries on the family saga.
- Jaime and Nicolas: Esteban and Clara’s twin sons, who lead very different lives.
- Tránsito Soto: A prostitute who becomes a successful businesswoman and helps Esteban find his granddaughter.
The novel also features other secondary characters who contribute to the rich tapestry of the story, including Pedro Segundo García, Amanda, Miguel, and Jean de Satigny.