THE EXPRESSION OF MAGIC REALISM IN ANGELA CARTER’S NOVEL “NIGHTS AT THE CIRCUS”

Abstract

The concept of "magic realism" refers to a literary style that seamlessly incorporates magical or supernatural events into a realistic narrative, questioning the nature of reality and emphasizing the creative process through a blend of fact and fantasy. Originating with Latin American writers in the 1940s, this style integrates cultural, folkloric, and geographical elements to depict complex realities. Angela Carter, a prominent 20th-century magic-realist writer, exemplifies this style in her novel "Nights at the Circus" (1984). Set against a backdrop of post-imperialist Britain, the novel intertwines fantastical and political themes, exploring identity, feminism, and societal transformation. Carter uses magical realism to critique and transcend conventional boundaries, creating a narrative that is both enchanting and thoughtprovoking.