In-Depth Exploration of Magical Realism

This lesson plan is part of our “Art through a Social Studies Lens” lesson plan series. Click here to view all 8 lessons.

This kit contains:

• Article: What is Magical Realism?

• Article: When We Talk About Magical Realism

• Excerpt: Like Water for Chocolate (Chapter 3)

• Activity: Like Water for Chocolate Pair Discussion

• Excerpt: 100 Years of Solitude Analysis

• Activity: 100 Years of Solitude Paragraph Template

• Video: Magical Realism: Embracing the Absurdity of Latin America

Lesson Objectives

1. Understand the basic literary elements of magical realism.

2. Contextualize the important of magical realism in 20th century Latin-American society.

3. Develop the agency to produce works with elements of magical realism and integrate aspects of magical realism into their own interpersonal life

Essential Questions

• What is magical realism (or realismo mágico)? How is magical realism both traditionally and modernly defined?

• How does magical realism relate to Latin-American history and society? What are the

  larger implications for literature and how it relates as social commentary?

Introduction

This lesson plan, designed for students grade 10-12, explores the concept of magical realism, applies those concepts towards two world-renowned Latin American literary works, and empowers students to engage with magical realism in their own literary and artistic creations.

Lesson plan created by Max Peng