Article 6     Pages: 34-39

Enchanting Realities: The Interplay of Magic and Realism in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Mr. Nilesh S. Guruchal

Assistant Professor, Smt. P. K. Kotecha Mahila Mahavidyala, Bhusawal, Maharashtra

Date of Publication: 30 Dec 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14976317

Abstract

Magic realism, a literary genre that merges magical elements with a realistic narrative, plays a pivotal role in shaping the world of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Unlike traditional fantasy, where magical events occur in a completely fictional realm, magic realism integrates the extraordinary into everyday life, blurring the lines between what is real and what is magical. The present research article investigates the use of magic realism in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, focusing on how the narrative blends the mundane with the extraordinary to create a unique literary experience. By examining key elements of the novel, this study illustrates how magic realism allows the coexistence of the magical and the real, enabling readers to perceive fantasy as an extension of reality. The analysis explores moments where the magical world intersects with everyday life, such as the revelation of Harry's true identity, the hidden entrance to Platform 9¾, and the seamless transition from the Dursleys' mundane world to the enchanted realm of Hogwarts. These instances are explored to understand how they serve as a vehicle for discussing themes of self-discovery, social structures, and the transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Keywords: Magic Realism, Fantasy, Real and Magical, Self-discovery, Identity Themes,