Magical Realism

In chapter 13, Christopher Paul Curtis embeds narrative elements of magical realism into the story. Magic realism blends aspects of reality, fantasy, and magic into the story. This technique emerges when Kenny begs his siblings to venture to Collier’s Landing (a place Grandma Sands strongly advises against visiting). To instill a bit more fear in Kenny who appears intent on ignoring their grandmother’s warning, Byron embellishes her words. In Byron’s version, he describes the “Wool Pooh” (an evil twin of Winnie the Pooh) who lives in the lake where Kenny hopes to enjoy a “fantastic adventure.”

Kenny’s eventual (albeit imagined) experience with the Wool Pooh adds magical realism into the narrative. For example, when Kenny steps into the lake (and feels the rocks give way beneath him) he panics at the thought of drowning. Kenny begins to struggle in the water and hallucinates that the Wool Pool furiously attacks him. This fantastical vision lasts for several paragraphs and includes colorful, contrasting, and magical imagery such as: Joetta rising above the water as a “little angel” in a “pretty blue dress” and a Wool Pool figure with “hard square-looking fingers,” a “dark gray” blob instead of a face and missing eyes that are “colder looking.”

As the chapter concludes, another literary element often present in stories about African American life becomes evident. The reoccurring theme of ‘valuing family and friend relationships’ develops through the characters of Kenny and Byron. Specifically, when Kenny’s imagination gets the best of him and he struggles while immersed in the lake, Byron comes to his rescue. Kenny visualizes that Byron and the Wool Pooh engage in a tumultuous fight that Byron soon wins.

The above event shifts the relationship dynamics between the brothers. After his almost drowning, Kenny starts to grasp how afraid Byron must have felt to lose him. This realization highlights the importance of an older sibling who cares deeply for his younger brother. As the theme suggests, a strong love exists between the brothers, despite their relentless teasing and displays of indifference.

About the Author

Wanda M. Brooks is a professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.