Tracing the trajectory of magical realism in Bangladeshi literature

Abstract

Magical realism is a popular literary genre that suits both postcolonialism and postmodernism. Many countries, including Bangladesh, have contributed to this genre because of its postcolonial characteristics of making political commentaries with contemporary social relevance within a fantastical backdrop. However, academic research needs to adequately investigate Bangladeshi magical realism's contents, which blends the country's political history with local myths and fables. Therefore, this paper aims to thoroughly study Bangladeshi magical realist works to untangle the complex web built by the renowned writers of the country's region and compile those works. Employing an in-depth examination of Syed Waliullah's Kado Nodi Kado (Cry! River, Cry) Akhteruzzaman Elias' Khowabnama (Dream Epic), Nasrin Jahan's Chondrolekhar Jadubistar (Magical expansion of Chondrolekha) and Shahidul Zahir's Kathure O Darkar (Woodcutter and Raven), this research aims to reveal the sources of inspiration for their respective works and charts the development of magical realist literature in Bangladesh. Additionally, this study delves into the historical and sociocultural backdrop that has uniquely shaped the creation and evolution of magical realist literature in Bangladesh. It also underscores how the local political influence and local folklore shaped the classic methodologies to incorporate magical realism, following a significant trend in the country's literary landscape. In the end, this investigation hopes to advance knowledge about how Bangladeshi writers use magical realism as a lens through which to interact with myth, reality, and the paranormal while also highlighting the intricacies of their society, cultural identity, and expression.