Latin American Narrative: Magical Realism
What is Magical Realism?
Magical realism, a prominent feature of Latin American narrative, emerged in the 1940s. It emphasizes the unique cultural identity of the Americas by blending realism and fantasy. This fusion reflects the distinct characteristics of the American experience.
Magical realism presents fantastical elements as integral parts of reality. Extraordinary events seamlessly intertwine with everyday life, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary. This approach characterizes
Read MoreAnalysis of “Lullabies of the Onion” by Miguel Hernandez
Lullabies of the Onion: A Poem of Love and Loss in War-Torn Spain
Introduction
“Lullabies of the Onion” is a poignant poem by Miguel Hernandez, a prominent figure in 20th-century Spanish literature. Written during the Spanish Civil War, it reflects the poet’s personal struggles and the broader societal upheaval of the time. Hernandez, often considered a bridge between the Generation of ’27 and the Generation of ’36, experienced a significant shift in his writing style during this period.
Background
Read MoreThe Spanish Novel: Evolution and Trends
The Novel After the War
The evolution of the 1990s novel in the first half of the twentieth century was paralyzed by the Civil War. The supervision and censorship of the Franco dictatorship after the war marked the political, social, and cultural development. Several Spanish intellectuals were exiled abroad, and those who stayed had to conform to Franco’s ideology. Three periods are distinguished:
Existential Novel
This narrative expresses the heartbreak and anguish of humanity. Its works are influenced
Read MoreRomanticism and Realism in 19th Century Spanish Literature
Romanticism
Overview
Romanticism, a prominent cultural movement in 19th-century Europe, encompassed literature and art. The Industrial Revolution and burgeoning commerce propelled the bourgeoisie to social dominance. This era witnessed the rise of liberalism, advocating economic and political freedom, and idealism, emphasizing the dominance of spirit and ideas. Romantics sought unattainable ideals, particularly in love, reflecting an idealistic yearning for the infinite.
Main Features
- Imagination
The Realm of Magical Realism: A Literary Exploration
The Origins of Magical Realism
From Painting to Prose
The term “Magical Realism,” originating not from literature but from the art world, was coined around 1925 by Franz Roh to describe a group of painters. Later, between 1950 and 1970, the term was adopted by literary critics to define a new narrative trend.
Latin American Roots
Rooted in Latin American culture, magical realism found fertile ground in the continent’s rich history of storytelling and the depiction of marvelous occurrences. European
Read MoreEpic Tales of Odysseus, Achilles, and Helen of Troy
Odysseus (Ulysses)
Odysseus (Greek: Ὀδυσσεύς), known as Ulysses in Latin, was a legendary Greek hero. First mentioned in the Cypria, he rose to prominence in Homer’s Iliad and became the central character of the Odyssey. King of Ithaca, Odysseus spent ten years fighting in the Trojan War and another ten navigating treacherous journeys back home to his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus.
The Song of the Sirens
Sirens (Greek: Σειρῆνες) were enchanting creatures whose irresistible songs
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