Fantastic Historicity

Abstract

History and historicity are two of the most persistent themes in the magical realist mode. Nearly all definitions of literary magical realism evoke history as essential to explanations of the genre. History and historical representation are two of the key elements that distinguishes magical realism from surrealism and fantasy.... Every genre, every text, narrative or otherwise, regardless of its subject matter, evokes the historical dimension. One of the basic premises for historical materialist interpretation is the mediated nature of History itself. We can never access History directly because its ontological status does not allow for direct observation. History, according to Frederic Jameson, is like the Lacanian Real: it is that which escapes all symbolization and imaginary constructions but nevertheless determines and erupts in those spheres (Jameson, Political Unconscious 35). Historical materialist interpretation argues that History is not a text but the ground for all textual creation and interpretation. Magical realism, more so than other genres, takes this ground as one of its primary raw materials for narrative creation. In literature, magical realism continues the focus on historicity from so-called “historical fiction” that was made a popular sub-genre of sorts in European realism.... Historical fiction combines adept historical awareness with intricate character studies and high drama so that the representation and comprehension of history as a process is an essential part of the reading experience. Magical realist literature continues this emphasis on the historical dimension but in forms that differ from European realist historical fiction.