The History and Theory of Magical Realism Two Works Cited Magical Realism is one of the most popular topics to discuss in literature today regarding its history and theory of magical realism. It began in Latin culture and is now known worldwide for its attributes. Magical Realism even rivals some of the great masterpieces of modern literature and the past. One day Magical Realism will be recognized and respected just as the classics are today. Magical realism is supposed to have begun in 1935 and its golden age occurred between 1940 and 1950. Spanish and Latin American magic realism can be somewhat attributed to social, political, and European influence. During the golden age of Magical Realism, Spanish and Latin American writers produced works that, according to some, would be considered on the same level as the great works of Italy, France and England. Two people have been credited with coining the term Magical Realism, Dudley Fitts and Franz Roh. It would be very difficult to determine which of the two gets the actual credit. However, it is not important who performed the deed; it is important that the deed has been done. Professor Angel Flores noted that “A Universal History of Infamy,” written by Jorges Luis Borges, marks the birth of Magical Realism (Flores 109-117). The works of Jorges Luis Borge are similar to the works of Kafka. Both Kafka's and Borge's works reflect a collaboration between realism and fantasy. Before the full greatness of Magical Realism was realized, it was thought that Spanish and Latin American fiction could produce nothing more than simple works. However, times have changed and many great works and attributes come from Latin American culture and its writings. Magical realism is the writing of Spanish and Latin American authors. It is a mixture of realism and fantasy. However, the mixture is based on the fact that everything that happens in the work is ordinary and everyday. Everything that happens within the confines of Magical Realism is accepted as typical life among the characters in the story. No matter how far-fetched or extraordinary the subjects, all the characters in the play handle the action with ease. For example, if a man throws a baseball and it turns into a flying bee, there would be no surprise at this incident. It would be as if it were natural for a baseball to turn into a bee. Even though a baseball could never actually turn into a bee, the man who threw the ball wouldn't have thought of it. This feature is one of the easiest ways to decide whether a writing is Magical Realism or not because Magical Realism does not contain any action that creates another action. There is no reason for the baseball to turn into a bee. No action, machine or spell is needed for this transformation to occur. This is why Magical Literature or Science Fiction is different from Magical Realism, where it would be necessary to use an action or a machine to effect transformations. Magical Realism became known for changing the way people think. Instead of seeing the ordinary and banal, the Magical Realist brings a spark of life to the imagination, which in turn excites the reader's mind. Magical Realism is a fusion of dreams and reality, a fusion of realism and fantasy, and a reality-based form of expression with several fantastical elements that are considered normal by both readers and characters. This is the simplest way Magical Realism can be described. Magical Realism is also known for showing a different point of view on life and the way people think or act. Luis Leal stated that Realism, 1995:119-124.