Magic Realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor

Abstract

The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor is based on the heroic deeds of Luis Alejandro Velasco, who endured the sharks, escaped the whales, survived the harsh sun and remained afloat for ten days, without food and water in the middle of the ocean. This real incident is no less than the magical fantasy, which glorifies the The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor beyond the imagination and capacity of a mortal being. It thereby creates pure fantasy blended with realism, and magical realism. Seemingly realistic events blended with magical. However, the irony behind this heroism is that the unexpected survival of Velasco became unbearable to the authorities. They entrapped him in such circumstances that he is forced to hide for his life. Therefore, The Story of Shipwrecked Sailor is a rare combination of suspense and thrill, blended with elements of courage and zeal for life; altogether and a man’s struggle against the nature and its harshness for life.