My tentative “underappreciated” genre is magical realism. The most interesting thing about this genre is how it adds magical elements to real life stories. It’s significant because it’s a very interesting genre that has rather distinct aspects to it. Magical realism can be best defined as a literary style or genre that is closely associated with Latin America that incorporates mythical elements in realistic fiction. This genre as stated before was usually seen by older Latin American writers, and has its ties to movements such as Realism. It is used by adding fictional and mythical elements to a life like story, for example in the movie Sky High, one of the characters has the ability to turn into a small furry hamster. This genre interacts closely with fantasy, drama and romance genres. This genre usually is associated with the issue of trying to find true love, or trying to distort reality. Or it may be as simple as fantasizing about something. Shakespeare incorporates this into a lot of his plays such as the Tempest and to a lesser extent A Midsummer’s Night Dream. This genre really embraces the irrational aspect of life. Writers of this genre must create this world of a children’s fantasy but keeping it as real as possible as well. Characteristics of this genre that writers must possess is a belief in myths, hybrid and much more. Multiple writers of this genre isn’t impossible but it is not common. Most magical realism is usually falls under novels or short stories. There aren’t really any specific consumers of this genre. I think anyone can read this sort of genre under any circumstance, however one characteristic I believe that readers must possess is a very active imagination and a belief in a myth or two. I think writers write in this genre due to their reading history and partly they’re trying intuitive ways to entertain their readers. I think readers read magical realism because they’re trying to go to a different place if you will, actually get in the book if you will. Which is one of the main reasons people read to begin with. I think this genre fulfills the individuals with a very active and fun imagination.
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Hey Don, I am a fan of magical realism! In fact, there is a book called Bone Gap by Laura Ruby, which is one of my favorite books and it is filled with magical realism. I think this genre is so creative and really takes readers to another world. When we read these novels and short stories we can really get wrapped up into the story line and forget the fact that half the stuff in the plot are unreal. It would be interesting to find out whether people who enjoy this genre have something in common, like what makes readers enjoy it and why do they choose to read this genre? I’m excited to read more about this!
Hey Don,
Sky High was like my favorite movie in middle school. I think the genre you have chosen is super creative. However, i would try to limit the magical realism to a specific kind of magic. like witch craft or magical creatures, superpowers, etc. so that the examples you select can be the best and you can narrow the focus. Great idea though I look forward to more.
I have never, read a magic realism book (i think) so to see you go deeper in it will be exciting. As long as the term magic is the same throughout all examples.
I think the idea of magical realism for romance is an interesting topic that brings up so many options. I’m curious to see how far this genre can be pushed. Is it necessary to need romance? What can be defined as mythical fantasy? How much of Shakespeare. can be contributed to mythical realism?