The Role of Magical Realism in Shaping Character Perceptions in One Hundred Years of Solitude

Description:
In One Hundred Years of Solitude, magical realism is not just a stylistic feature but a powerful tool that shapes how characters perceive their reality and themselves. The magical and the ordinary coexist seamlessly in the novel, and this blend influences the characters’ outlook on life. Events that would be considered fantastical or impossible in the real world—such as the ascension of Remedios the Beauty or the rain of yellow flowers—are presented as ordinary occurrences in the lives of the Buendía family. For the people of Macondo, these miraculous events are accepted without question, which allows García Márquez to explore deeper philosophical and psychological themes.

• Worldview Shaped by the Supernatural:
  The acceptance of the supernatural within the daily lives of the characters impacts their worldview. For instance, characters like José Arcadio Buendía view the world through a lens of mysticism and scientific curiosity, heavily influenced by the supernatural forces around them. The magic they encounter shapes their understanding of life’s meaning, often blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined.

• Psychological Effects of the Magical Realism:
  The presence of magical realism also has a psychological effect on the characters. Many of them live with the belief that miracles and supernatural occurrences are part of their reality. This influences their actions, interactions, and perceptions of others. Characters like Úrsula and Aureliano Buendía come to understand their fate as intertwined with the magical elements around them, resigning themselves to a world where reality and myth are inseparable.

What We Learn:
Magical realism shapes the characters’ perceptions of reality, emphasizing how external forces—whether supernatural or psychological—can shape the individual’s understanding of the world. The acceptance of magic as reality creates a distinct and immersive experience for readers and serves as a critical lens for exploring deeper themes of fate, memory, and identity.