Mirror of Self and the World: Magical Realism and Power Dynamics in Indonesia Literature

Abstract

Magical realism in literary art is often only understood in a limited way as an aesthetic element, without taking into account the depth of the symbolic meaning contained in it. In addition, the merger between magical elements and everyday reality is often not fully explored, so the potential for the narrative that can be generated is lost. This research aims to analyze the use of elements of magical realism in contemporary literary art and uncover how these elements enrich literary narratives. This research uses hermeneutic methods to explore the symbolic meanings hidden behind magical elements in literary artworks. Through a hermeneutic approach, the selected works of art are deeply analyzed through literary description, contextual interpretation, and critical reflection, with a focus on how these magical elements are integrated into literary narratives. The results show that the elements of magical realism not only enrich literary narratives, but also create a deeper and more complex experience for the audience, by blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The implication of this study is that magical realism can be used effectively in contemporary literary art to create narratives that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also rich in philosophical and symbolic meaning.