The University of Maine DigitalCommons@UMaine Electronic Theses and Dissertations Fogler Library 5-2003 Magical Realism and Latin America Maria Eugenia B. Rave Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd Part of the Latin American Literature Commons Recommended Citation Rave, Maria Eugenia B., "Magical Realism and Latin America" (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 481. http://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/481 This Open-Access Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UMaine. MAGICAL REALISM AND LATIN AMERICA BY Maria Eugenia B. Rave A.S. University of Maine, 1991 B.A. University of Maine, 1995 B.S. University of Maine, 1995 A MASTER PROJECT Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (in Liberal Studies) The Graduate School The University of Maine May, 2003 Advisory Committee: Kathleen March, Professor of Spanish, Advisor Michael H. Lewis, Professor of Art James Troiano, Professor of Spanish Owen F. Smith, Associate Professor of Art Copyright 2003 Maria Eugenia Rave MAGICAL REALISM AND LATIN AMERICA By Maria Eugenia Rave Master Project Advisor: Professor Kathleen March An Abstract of the Master Project Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (in Liberal Studies) May, 2003 This work is an attempt to present a brief and simple view, both written and illustrated, concerning the controversial concept of Magical Realism for non-specialists. This study analyzes Magical Realism as a form of literary expression and artistic style by some Latin American authors and two artists. First a definition of this term is given, in addition to a definition of other, related terms. Mention is made of the origin of the term in general and a short account of the history and its use is provided. There are other, related, concepts that critics, authors and artists believe have contributed to its development. The German art critic Franz Roh is said to have been the first to use this term officially, due to the necessity of providing a suitable title for the new art form. Continuing with its development are Miguel Angel Asturias, Angel Flores, and especially Alejo Carpentier. Also included are the commentaries of Gabriel Garcia Mikquez, one of the most notable authors of Latin America identified with Magical Realism, those of the Chilean author Isabel Allende, and the commentaries of the critics Enrique Anderson, Seymour Menton, Massimo Bontempelli and the French surrealist Andr6 Breton. There are several different ways in which the term Magical Realism has been used in Europe and especially Latin America. The use of Magical Realism as a means of artistic and literary expression continues to prevail for now, because while there exist problematic situations or changes in normal life in the countries of Latin America, there will always be inspiration for the creators and a motive to express their feelings. Its use will disappear for periods of time and will reappear at other times, as if it were manipulated by the magic of life. At the time that Magical Realism is observed, other styles will also be seen. But this is the one that many prefer and which will prevail. A large part of this project consists of the 26 works of art that are the Magical Realism interpretation by the author of this project Maria E. Rave DEDICATION For My Parents: Victor and Marina My husband: Alejandro H. My sons: Andre's A. and J. Santiago. My dear friends: Wayne and Grace ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my professors of the University of Maine with whom I have worked over all these years, during my graduate career, and especially Dr. Kathleen March for providing guidance during the research and writing of my thesis and especially to my dear Professor and friend David Shoemaker (+). I thank also the other committee members: Professor Michael H. Lewis for the advice on my art and written works, and Professors James Troiano and Owen F. Smith. In addition, Professor James Linehan was of great assistance to me. I would also like to thank my dear friends Wayne and Grace Dillon for their love, help and support throughout all these years. Thanks also go to Christine as well as the many others who have helped me. TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION ................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................... iv ... LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................. Vlll LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................. ix Part 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1 2 . CLARIFICATION OF THE TERM ...................................................... 4 2.1. Definition of the Term ................................................................ 4 2.2. Brief history ............................................................................ 7 2.3. Interpretation of Magical Realism by Authors, Critics. and Artists in order of importance to Magical Realism ............................................... 20 Miguel Angel Asturias ....................................................... 20 Angel Flores ................................................................... 21 Alejo Carpentier ............................................................... 22 Massimo Bontempelli.......................................................... 30 Isabel Allende ................................................................... 31 Franz Roh ........................................................................ 32 Enrique Anderson hnbert ...................................................... 32 Seymour Menton ............................................................... 34 Gabriel Garcia Miuquez ....................................................... 34 3 . AUTHORS AND ARTISTS (Their Lives and Works) ................................. 37 3.1. Gabriel Garcia Miirquez ............................................................... 37 3.2. Elena Garro .............................................................................. 3.3. Frida Kahlo .............................................................................. 3.4. Fernando Botero ........................................................................ 3.5. The Future of Magical Realism ....................................................... 4 . MY WORK ................................................................................... 4.1. Introduction ............................................................................... 4.2. The Village Square1 La Plaza del Pueblito .......................................... 4.3. The Townl El Pueblo .................................................................. 4.4. The Hut/ La Choza ..................................................................... 4.5. Metamorphosis of Love1 Metamorfosis del Amor ................................. 4.6. The Street of Hope1 Calle La Esperanza ............................................. 4.7. A Hillside Neighborhood I Barrio La Loma ....................................... 4.8. Color, Flavor, Spirit of life1 Color, Sabor, Espiritu de Vida ...................... 4.9. The Magic Tree1 El Arb01 Miigico ................................................... 4.10. The Royal Road/ El Carnino Real ................................................. 4.1 1 . The Lighthouse1 El Faro ............................................................ 4.12. The In Land People Townl El Pueblito Paisa .................................... 4.13. The Retirol El Retiro ................................................................ 4.14. The Chapel/ La Capilla ............................................................. 4.15. The Little Farm1 La Finquita ...................................................... 4.16. Colombian Ceramic Shop1 Loceria Colombiana ................................ 4.17. The Coffee Plantation/ Los Cafetales............................................. 4.18. Mv countrv House1 Mi Finca ....................................................... 4.19. My Flowers andVMisFloresy Yo ............................................... 4.20. My Broken Homeland Mi Patria en Pedazos .................................... 4.2 1. Saved by an Angel/ Salvada por un Angel ....................................... 4.22. The Magic Touch1 Toque M6gico ................................................. 4.23. A Village1 Un Caserio ............................................................... 4.24. My Hand Mi Mano ................................................................. 4.25. Mutual Agreement1 Mutuo Acuerdo .............................................. 4.26. Homesick for My City1 Nostalgia por mi Ciudad ............................... 4.27. Yellow Butterflied Mariposas Amatillas ......................................... 5. CONCLUSION .............................................................................. BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................ BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR ............................................................ LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Roh's Elements of Magic Realism .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .10 viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 . Thumb Nail .............................................................................65