Origins of Magical Realism
Gratefullness
Franz Roh was first to coin the term “Magical Realism” in German 1925, so post First World War. He claimed that Magic Realism, as well as post-modernism (Which he believed were synonymous), could be a tool for regaining the ability to enjoy life’s actions under a magical light. Trying to make connections and seeing the value of simple things whether painted or talked of in a novel, could be heavily linked with gratefulness, and therefore, happiness. Poet Vladimir Mayakovsky also explores the same idea: “After seeing electricity, I lost interest in nature.” Markus Zusak also speaks of this when talking about the war and his parent’s involvement: “I was inspired by the acts of kindness I heard about that took place during those very dark times in Europe, when people were finding beauty in the ugliest of circumstances.”
Coping/Understanding Mechanism
Magical Realism Book Thief Markus Zusak said:”I was inspired by the acts of kindness I heard about that took place during those very dark times in Europe, when people were finding beauty in the ugliest of circumstances.”