What Is Magical Realism?

Magical realism is a literary genre that incorporates magical or mythical aspects into the actual world. Unlike pure fantasy, when the world is wholly made up, magical realism tells stories about a world that appears just like ours but includes unusual occurrences or people that everyone in the story accepts as normal.

This combination results in a distinct reading experience that is both familiar and unusual. Robbie Arnott’s Flames is an excellent example of this genre, and recognizing its major elements might help readers appreciate the novel more fully.

Elements of Magical Realism

Blending the Real and the Magical

The most crucial aspect of magical realism is how it incorporates real-life surroundings and mystical components. In Flames, the narrative is set in Tasmania, a genuine and beautiful region, but Arnott incorporates mystical aspects that do not exist in the actual world. For example, gods walk among people and communicate with them as if everything is normal.

One deity, the South Esk god, recounts the influence of people on the country as follows: “I tasted the blood-tang of iron when they arrived.” This fanciful voice provides a viewpoint on spirituality, history, and environmental challenges.

Other magical features include the Oneblood tuna, which are massive and appear to represent something more supernatural than regular fish. There is also a wombat farm near Melaleuca, where wombats perform an uncommon function.

While no one in real life skins wombats, this bizarre farm makes sense in the world of Flames. These mystical features distinguish the plot while keeping it grounded in a recognizable reality.

Acceptance of the Supernatural

Another distinguishing trait of magical realism is that supernatural components are presented as everyday. In Flames, no one disputes the existence of gods or mystical beings. For example, Karl interacts with Levi McAllister, who is collecting driftwood for a coffin. This may appear unusual to us, but it is common in the fiction.

Levi adds that the casket is for his sister, but when asked if she is ill, he just says, “No.” His behavior is unusual, yet it does not seem out of place in the magical realist universe. This straightforward presentation of the supernatural encourages the reader to accept the fanciful components as part of the story’s reality.

Another example is the seals, notably Karl’s seal, which serves as both a pet and a powerful emblem. Its connection to Karl’s life and emotions demonstrates how magical realism may combine the intimate with the spectacular. The seals are not seen as mythical; they are just part of the universe, which serves to root the enchantment in reality.

Suspension of Disbelief

Magical realism also blurs the distinction between what is real and what is not. Flames’ environment feels genuine because it is based on Tasmania, yet the mystical components go beyond what is plausible. For example, the narrative depicts individuals spontaneously bursting into flames after death.

This is a fantastic notion, but Arnott presents it as if it were just another aspect of life. He doesn’t explain how or why it happens, and the characters don’t appear astonished. They simply accept it as a part of life. This prompts the reader to wonder what is conceivable, drawing them further into the tale.

Karl’s interaction with his seal is another example. The seal is more than simply an animal; it reflects Karl’s history, challenges, and connection to nature. When Karl thinks about the seal, he recalls experiences and feelings that influence his judgments, such as when he witnessed one of the zombie McAllisters emerge from the ocean.

The magical components are so flawlessly integrated into the plot that they appear to be genuine, which is precisely what magical realism is intended to achieve.

Purpose of Magical Realism

Magical realism is more than just incorporating fanciful aspects into a tale for entertainment; it also has a purpose. It allows the author to explore deeper issues and generate a feeling of awe.

Creating a Sense of Wonder

Magical realism elevates the everyday. By blending the real and the fantastic, the genre helps readers to perceive the world in a new light. Arnott creates a feeling of awe in Flames by incorporating gods, seals, and magical happenings within the familiar Tasmanian environment.

For example, when Levi McAllister constructs a casket for his sister, we are left guessing about its purpose. Is it just a coffin, or does it hold a deeper, mystical significance? The combination of the real and the weird keeps the reader interested.

The narrative also evokes awe with its depictions of nature. Arnott’s writing portrays Tasmania’s beauty and mystery, from woods to beaches. The mystical aspects accentuate this beauty, giving the reader the impression that the natural world is full of mysteries and magic. This sensation of astonishment is a major reason why magical realism is so appealing.

Commentary Through Fantasy

Magical realism also allows authors to examine important topics in a unique way. In Flames, Arnott employs the voice of the South Esk deity to speak on the consequences of colonization.

The deity narrates the coming of immigrants and the devastation they inflicted, stating, “I tasted the blood-tang of iron when they arrived.” This sentence emphasizes the bloodshed and destruction associated with colonialism, but the god’s fanciful perspective adds depth and emotion to the critique.

The narrative also deals with issues of loss and connection. Levi, for example, builds a bizarre yet poignant casket in preparation for his sister’s death. It depicts his love and his struggle to deal with the prospect of losing her. The magical components heighten the emotional impact of these issues, providing readers with a fresh perspective on sorrow and relationships.

Magical realism is a genre that turns everyday stories into extraordinary ones. By combining the real with the supernatural, it encourages readers to perceive the world in new ways and ponder on deeper issues. Flames is an excellent illustration of how this genre can evoke awe and significance, and it is a must-read for anybody who enjoys imaginative narrative.