Short stories are a staple in my classroom since I try to focus more on independent novel choices and book clubs with my students. Short stories are a wonderful way to still have the full class instruction still needed.
However, I love to introduce my students to different genres of short stories. Today I am sharing about two Magical Realism short stories my students and I love.
Magical Realism is a literary genre that seamlessly intertwines magical or fantastical elements with everyday reality, blurring the boundaries between the mundane and the extraordinary. In Magical Realism, fantastical occurrences are presented as ordinary events, inviting readers to question their perceptions of reality and explore deeper layers of meaning within the narrative.
Today, I am sharing two of my favorite Magical Realism short stories that I love to use for teaching theme and symbolism- “The Paper Menagerie” and “Chivalry”.
Why use Magical Realism in your classroom?
Integrating Magical Realism into your classroom engages students in thought-provoking discussions about the nature of reality and the power of imagination. By exploring the fantastical elements within these stories, your students can develop critical thinking skills while also honing their ability to analyze symbolism and thematic depth.
Magical Realism also offers a diverse range of cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions, providing you with opportunities to promote empathy and understanding among your students.
Neil Gaiman’s “Chivalry”
This is one of the stories in Neil Gaiman’s anthology Smoke and Mirrors. My personal favorite is also playing this audiobook while we read since Gaiman reads it! However, this recording of LaVar Burton reading it is also LOVELY!
This beautiful story intertwines the magic of Arthurian legends with the modern world when Mrs. Whitaker (an old widower) purchases the Holy Grail in a secondhand shop and Galahad comes knocking on her door looking for it. Mrs. Whitaker refuses to give away the Grail as she likes how it looks on the mantle. Galahad is determined and goes on many dangerous quests to find even more magnificent magical totems as well as helping her around the home to trade her for the Grail.
“Mrs. Whitaker found the Holy Grail; it was under a fur coat.”
Neil Gaiman
It is a lovely story of looking at what is most important in our lives and what the true magic is. This product helps to introduce students to what Magical Realism is and then guides them through the thematic analysis of the story.
Analyzing “Chivalry” by Neil Gaiman offers students a rich exploration of the intersection between modernity and folklore, inviting discussions on the enduring relevance of chivalric ideals in contemporary society.
Also, by dissecting Gaiman’s narrative techniques in this short story, your students can sharpen their literary analysis skills. This can empower them to uncover deeper layers of meaning in both traditional and contemporary literature.
Ken Liu’s “The Paper Menagerie”
You can find an open source text version here and you can listen to LeVar Burton read it here!
This is a heartbreaking story of a son who learns how much his mother loved him… but it was too late.
As a small child, the main character is extremely close with his Chinese mother who speaks little-to-no English. She often makes him origami animals that come to life after she breathes into them. They comfort Jack and become dear playmates.
However, as he grows older, and encounters a steady dose of racism from those around him, he pushes his mother away indignant that she should become more “American”. After her death, he finally learns more about her life and just how much she loved him.
“You know what the Chinese think is the saddest feeling in the world? It’s for a child to finally grow the desire to take care of his parents, only to realize that they were long gone.”
Ken Lui
This product helps to introduce students to Magical Realism and guide them through a full analysis of “The Paper Menagerie” via a close look at literary devices used, point of view, and quote analysis. The final page of this handout set is breakdown of their thematic statement on the story as well as evidence to support. This can serve as a quick check for understanding or the outline of a larger essay.
Final Thoughts
Short stories are a mighty and fantastic tool for any English classroom. Magical Realism takes your students to worlds unimagined yet all too real while also honing in on the skills they will need for a lifetime. Through stories like “The Paper Menagerie” and “Chivalry,” we unravel themes and symbolism, delving into the nuanced layers of these enchanting narratives.
Have you used either of these in your classroom yet? What was your experience?
Around the World With Mrs. C 