Latin America: Political Turmoil and Magical Realism

Latin American Political Shifts and Social Unrest

Initially, the narrative may not overtly focus on political aspects, but over time, the deep-seated discontent of workers with the Conservative Party becomes evident. People had endured enough of the injustices inflicted upon them. This widespread dissatisfaction led the working class to align with the Socialist Party. Eventually, the Socialist Party managed to gain power, achieving a significant victory. This allowed them to propose and enact just laws for everyone.

However, the Conservative Party vehemently disagreed with the left-wing government and orchestrated a coup d'état, led by Augusto Pinochet. This action received support from the United States, which was wary of Latin America becoming a region dominated by socialist countries. Consequently, the nation transitioned abruptly from a democracy to a dictatorship.

Literary Renewal: Post-War Latin American Narrative

Following the end of the Civil War, many writers settled in Latin American countries, leading to a significant return of Hispanic intellectuals to their home nations. Between 1945 and 1960, distinct new features emerged in Latin American novels. These transformations stemmed from a new societal outlook and a fresh way of life. New themes began to integrate urban, existential, and human issues, introducing elements of the fantastic, the dream, and the irrational.

This period marked a significant departure from the nineteenth-century realist aesthetic, embracing innovative narrative techniques. Magical Realism, in particular, emerged as a profound reflection of various historical and artistic factors. While predominantly realistic in its narrative, its themes often revolve around everyday life, yet an unexpected or improbable element creates a strange, surprising effect for the reader. It involves introducing a magical touch into daily reality, which is accepted by the protagonists without emotion.

Key Characteristics of Magical Realism

• Magical or fantastic elements are normally perceived by characters as commonplace.
• Multiple narrators provide different perspectives, adding greater complexity to the text.
• Settings are often Latin American, sometimes depicting poverty and social marginalization, where magical concepts are still part of real life.
• Facts possess real connotations but incorporate fantastic elements.
• Time is frequently cyclic or distorted.
• Chance often directs the lives of many characters.
• Famous literary characters are sometimes incorporated.