Feminist space in magical realism: coexistence of magic and feminist tropes in Joanne Harris’ Chocolate and The Lollipop Shoes

Abstract

This thesis is an opportunity to explore the significance of magical realism beyond its conventions. Within the post-colonial perspective, the concept of magical realism may express feminist notions through the blend of magic and reality. Additionally, the term, ‘magical feminism’ as a sub genre of magical realism tends to develop this feminist discourse. Therefore, this dissertation is a discussion on the depiction of magical realism aligned with feminist concepts in Joanne Harris’ novels Chocolat and The Lollipop Shoes. Closely reading these novels from this Chocolat series, this paper further aims to unravel the eccentric blend of myth, magic, fantasy along with the themes of travelling and repression associated with feminist tropes.