M. Leilani Burke
LA 238 OL1: World Literature
October 11, 2014
Instructor: Kelly Holt
Close Reading Analysis Paper
Luis Arturo Ramos, author of “Underwater”, masterfully uses a combination of similes and metaphors to present a perfect example of magical realism. This short story pulls the reader into an event that dances a thin line between realism and fantasy. This analysis will take a look at the definition of magical realism and it’s use in “Underwater” by looking at its functional context, the use of metaphors and similes, to engage the reader in a thrilling and mysterious narrative.
Magical realism is a style of written art frequently used by Mexicans and Latin American writers. This style of writing uses mythical and/or magical …show more content…
There is a combination of boys and girls and they all seem to be around the early teen ages. As often seen when there is a cliff with a river below, people would swing and dive in the river below. This was the activity that these children were participating in. Raul, protagonist or main character, was one of the children to participate in this activity that started out as fun. Ramos portrays this boy, initially, as confident and rather sure of himself. Notes such as, “[he] waits for his turn with his hands on his hips” and the fact that “Raul was recognized as the best; they all knew it”, really sets the tone for what may seem as a pleasant story. The boy maps out his every move as he may have done several times before. The introduction of the story is perceived as real thus …show more content…
In the sixth paragraph, Ramos becomes very descriptive as Raul begins trick and dive into the water. This is the point where the author begins his use of similes and metaphors to transition in to magical realism. “The water down below like a necessary and undulating moss that opens up when he enters…” adds a deeper description to the water than simply say the dark green water parted as he enterd the water. Furthermore, the author brings this moment to a very slow and deliberate pace but almost pausing the moment when the boy enters the water. He shows us that Raul felt, for a brief moment the feeling of both “worlds” the warm sun on the outside and the cool water on his upper body. In a subtle, but semi hyper realistic way, Ramos introduces to world of magical
LA 238 OL1: World Literature
October 11, 2014
Instructor: Kelly Holt
Close Reading Analysis Paper
Luis Arturo Ramos, author of “Underwater”, masterfully uses a combination of similes and metaphors to present a perfect example of magical realism. This short story pulls the reader into an event that dances a thin line between realism and fantasy. This analysis will take a look at the definition of magical realism and it’s use in “Underwater” by looking at its functional context, the use of metaphors and similes, to engage the reader in a thrilling and mysterious narrative.
Magical realism is a style of written art frequently used by Mexicans and Latin American writers. This style of writing uses mythical and/or magical …show more content…
There is a combination of boys and girls and they all seem to be around the early teen ages. As often seen when there is a cliff with a river below, people would swing and dive in the river below. This was the activity that these children were participating in. Raul, protagonist or main character, was one of the children to participate in this activity that started out as fun. Ramos portrays this boy, initially, as confident and rather sure of himself. Notes such as, “[he] waits for his turn with his hands on his hips” and the fact that “Raul was recognized as the best; they all knew it”, really sets the tone for what may seem as a pleasant story. The boy maps out his every move as he may have done several times before. The introduction of the story is perceived as real thus …show more content…
In the sixth paragraph, Ramos becomes very descriptive as Raul begins trick and dive into the water. This is the point where the author begins his use of similes and metaphors to transition in to magical realism. “The water down below like a necessary and undulating moss that opens up when he enters…” adds a deeper description to the water than simply say the dark green water parted as he enterd the water. Furthermore, the author brings this moment to a very slow and deliberate pace but almost pausing the moment when the boy enters the water. He shows us that Raul felt, for a brief moment the feeling of both “worlds” the warm sun on the outside and the cool water on his upper body. In a subtle, but semi hyper realistic way, Ramos introduces to world of magical