First Anniversary of Chukwuebuka Amaechi’s ‘Gbazakwin’ and Magical Realism Genre

First Anniversary of Chukwuebuka Amaechi’s Gbazakwin and Magical Realism Genre

 

By Chinwe Kyris

 

Magical realism, perhaps the most common term, usually refers to literature in particular, with magical or supernatural phenomena presented in an otherwise real-world or mundane setting commonly found in novels and dramatic performances.

Magical realism portrays fantastical events in an otherwise realistic tone. It brings fables, folk tales, and myths into contemporary social relevance.

It portrays real life events while also giving moral lessons.

Gbazakwin written by Chukwuebuka Amaechi is an example of a Magical Realism as it tells the adventures of titular hero, Gbazakwin. The hardships, resilience, and wisdom portrayed by Gbazakwin and her children which in finality, led to various breakthroughs and victory which connives with natural laws of reality that victory and success can only be achieved through hardwork, resilience and wisdom comes to forefront.

It is also a supernatural and magical phenomena presented to portray real life events. An example of this could be seen in chapter 7, page 30 of the text which truly shows that physical strength is not enough to overcome obstacles, sometimes, wisdom, craftiness are best suited in certain situations.

The innovative use of magical realism in this literary work, not only in themes of courage, resilience, wisdom, has also portrayed the theme of love amongst Gbazakwin and her children as they look out for one another at battles, they also do everything to bring back their beloved father and husband.

Gbazakwin which is a year old has been able to use folktale and supernatural phenomena as a means to pass across crucial message to it’s readers which is both morally and socially relevant, and when followed, would produce courageous, better and wise youths in the society today.

 

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