Magical Characterization in the Stories Al-Marhoom by Hassan Kamal and Fear and Trembling by Gholamhossein Saedi with Emphasis on the Main Character(s)

Abstract

Magical realism is among the elements of realism that, while intertwined with imagination, transforms the structures of reality. Hassan Kamal, a contemporary Egyptian writer, and Gholamhossein Saedi, a contemporary Iranian writer, are both inclined toward this style and have produced works in the field of narrative literature. Kamal’s Al-Marhoom and Saedi’s Fear and Trembling are stories written based on the school of magical realism, in which the authors, through an artistic technique, blend reality and imagination in order to critically examine and evaluate social problems. Hassan Kamal and Gholamhossein Saedi, as writers, are aware of the transformations that have occurred in the art of writing in the modern period, and their narrative style lends their works a remarkable quality, most notably through the successful application of elements of magical realism. In both stories, magical character(s) are employed, and the contrast between the imaginary and real worlds is evident throughout the narratives. Both authors have primarily used the technique of magical realism in a humanistic direction. Hassan Kamal attempts to affirm and seek the identity of the Egyptian individual, whereas Saedi, through depicting the superstitions of people in parts of southern regions, reveals their true identity. In this study, after examining the characteristics and historical background of magical realism and providing a brief overview of the biographies of the two authors, the magical character(s) in their works are analyzed, and through a descriptive–analytical method, the narrative techniques employed by these authors are presented to the audience.