Diving into Magical Realism
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Subject Area: English Language Arts (B.E.S.T.) | Grade Level: 10
Lesson Length: 15 minutes or less
Keywords/Tags: The Most Handsomest Drowned Man in the World, Magical Realism, Latin America, Cultual Identity
Lesson Description: In this lesson, you will explore magical realism by watching an introduction video, perusing through a visual biography of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's life, reading "The Most Handsomest Drowned Man in the World," and viewing some magical realistic art.

  • ELA.10.C.3.1 Follow the rules of standard English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling appropriate to grade level.
  • ELA.10.R.1.1 Analyze how key elements enhance or add layers of meaning and/or style in a literary text.
  • ELA.10.R.1.2 Analyze and compare universal themes and their development throughout a literary text.
  • ELA.10.R.1.3 Analyze coming of age experiences reflected in a text and how the author represents conflicting perspectives.
  • ELA.10.R.1.4 Analyze how authors create multiple layers of meaning and/or ambiguity in a poem.
  • ELA.10.R.3.1 Analyze how figurative language creates mood in text(s).
  • ELA.10.V.1.1 Integrate academic vocabulary appropriate to grade level in speaking and writing.
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Video : An Introduction to Magical Realism
Instructions: Please watch the following video as many times as needed before starting to go through other lesson pages. Understanding the content of the video is very important since the lesson activities will be all about this video content.
Description: This video provides a great introduction to magical realism. As you watch, make sure to listen for the characteristics of magical realism, such as the blending of reality and fantasy, the use of symbolism, and the exploration of cultural identity. Also, start thinking about some examples of magical realism that you've heard or seen before!
Quiz : Magical Realism Quiz
Instructions: Please complete this quiz by choosing the correct answer for each question. You can take this quiz as many times needed.
Question #1

Who is credited with applying magical realistic themes to literature?

Question #2

According to Ms. Brown, magical realism is particularly associated with which region?

Question #3

Magical realism is quite distinct. Ms. Brown defines magical realism as stories that describes the "ordinary as _____" and the "_____ as ordinary"?

Question #4

Because of this definition, how do the characters within magical realistic stories react to extraordinary events?

Question #5

According to the video, all of the following characteristics explain how magical realism differs from "fantasy" except...

Question #6

How is magical realim different from science fiction?

Question #7

According to the video, all of the following literary devices are common in magical realism except...

Question #8

How does the continent of Latin America influence magical realism?

Question #9
The following are famous examples of magical realism authors: Isabel Allende, Suzanne Collins, and J.K. Rowling.
Question #10

All of the following are examples of magical realistic literature except...

Description: For this quiz, you will need to be familiar with the defining characteristics of magical realism.
Resources : Additional Resources
Instructions: Please see additional external resources below. Feel free visit each link to learn more about this lesson.
Gabriel García Márquez – A Life in Pictures
This link provides a visual biography of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and includes interviews with the author. Before you read "The Most Handsomest Drowned Man in the World," learn a little bit about the author and about the experiences that influenced his writing.
"The Most Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
After learning about Gabriel Garcia Marquez, read "The Most Handsomest Drowned Man in the World."
Magical Realism Museum
Look at some cool magical realistic art! Make sure to pay attention how each artist depicts the "extraordinary."