Magic Realism and Oppression among Black Teenagers in Randi Pink’s Into White

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Faculty of Arts, Helwan University

Abstract

Magic Realism is a literary mode rather than a distinguishable genre. It is ‘paradoxical’ as it reflects an opposition between magic and reality. It is highly attributed to the marginalized people, especially the African-Americans, who perceive it as an outlet for expressing their thoughts and their repressed dreams. The analysis will focus on the role of magical realism in displaying the dominant racial discourses which shape African-American identities in America. The aim of this research paper is to explore the aspects of magic realism and its types in Randi Pink’s Into White (2016). Pink uses magical realism to shed light on the oppressive forces of the African-American society. Oppression is among the forces that lead the marginalized people to use magic realism. Through this mode, she is able to criticize the social problems of the black teens that are related to race and identity in young adult literature. Randi Pink’s Into White is considered a striking illustration of African-American magic realism.

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