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MAGICAL REALISM IN PAULO COELHO

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MAGICAL REALISM IN PAULO COELHO
MAGICAL REALISM IN PAULO COELHO’S BRIDA D. Vijaya Lakshmi

Sr. Asst. Prof. Vishnu Institute of Technology, Bhimavaram, A.P.

9493309769 dvlakshmi1973@gmail.com

Abstract
Magic Realism or Magical Realism, a narrative technique creates a trend and a new genre in international contemporary fiction. The German critic Frenz Roh first used the term Magic Realism, a new art form in 1925. Later it is developed by Post-Colonial writers such as Jorge Luis Borges and Gabriel Marquez, who are the most reputable authors of Latin America. Magic Realism is the blend of fantasy and realism. It discusses the history, theory, politics and cultural conventions. In this paper, my focus is on Magical Realism in the novel Brida by Paulo Coelho, a popular Brazilian writer. Paulo Coelho’s protagonists believe in omens and symbols which are the crucial elements of magical realism. It deals with fables and folklores of the contemporary world. Brida is the story of a girl, who sets her journey from Dublin in search of her true self. Paulo Coelho, a talented novelist of Magical Realism, handles mysticism, supernaturalism and spirituality very skilfully in Brida. Magical Realism occurs in Brida when she continues to be alive beyond the normal length of her life and Paulo Coelho tactfully portrayed, by Brida being present throughout many generations. The setting of the story is purely real without magical attributes, but at certain intervals, Brida breaks the rules of the real world through magical realism. Magical Realism occupies a hybrid multiple plane of realism in Brida. Brida is very enthusiastic to learn magic and identify her special gifts in her. This book Brida deals with magic, quest for love and identity, enlightenment and reincarnations. Brida is an ordinary girl, but she finds deeper meaning through magical realism in her mundane and realistic setting in which she lives.
Key Words: Magic realism, genre, omens, supernatural

Magic Realism or Magical Realism, a narrative


References: 1. Abrahams, M.H. A Hand Book of Literary Terms: London: Wadsworth Publications, 2011, PP.42-44 Print. 2. Ann Bower, Maggie. Magic(al) Realism. Pb. Routledge. 2004. Print. 3. Coelho, Paulo. Brida. Trans. Margaret Jull Costa. Pb. Harper Collins. 2008. Print. 4. Hart, Stephen M. "Cultural Hybridity, Magical Realism, and the Language of Magic in Paulo Coelho 's The Alchemist, Romance Quarterly 51 (Fall 2004): 304-312. 5. Hayes, Anthony C. Magical Realism Tarot reveals the arcane artistry of Cheryl Fair. 12 October 2014. http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/magical-realism-tarot-reveals-arcane-artistry-cheryl-fair/2014/10/12 6. May, Charles E. Review: The Alchemist. Magill Book Reviews, 1993, 1-2. 7. Simpkins, Scott. Sources of Magic Realism/Supplements to Realism in Contemporary Latin American Literature. Magical Realism: Theory, History, Community. 145-162. Ed. Lois P. Zamora and Wendy B. Faris. Durham: Duke University Press, 1995. Print. 8. Briggs, Mark. The Magic Realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.29 March 2012. http://www.soundsandcolours.com/articles/colombia/the-magic-realism-of-gabriel-garcia-marquez/
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