Reading Nick Joaquin: Magic Realism and Filipino Psyche

Abstract

The term ‘magic realism’ extensively refers to the style of writing or technique that includes magical and supernatural events narrated realistically. This research investigates the elements of magic realism in Nick Joaquin’s select short stories, The Mass of St. Sylvestre, Dona Jeronima, and May Day Eve, as juxtaposed with reality, specifically on the magic realism and realities, cultural milieu, and Filipino psyche. The assumption is supported by the literary theories of Mary Ann Cain’s Formalism Theory, Homi K. Bhaba’s Postcolonialism Theory, and Aristotle’s Mimetic Theory. This research uses qualitative methods and discourse analysis. The findings of this study demonstrate that the existence of magic realism juxtaposes with the realities, the cultural milieu displays the different Filipino culture and identity, and the Filipino psyche is depicted in the other short stories. Based on the findings of this research, it has been found that the elements of magic realism and realities are revealed in Nick Joaquin’s selected Philippine short fiction, namely, The Mass of St. Sylvestre, Dona Jeronima, and May Day Eve. In the future, a more in-depth and advanced study focusing on a unified theme of the plot, characterization, and setting could be done to reveal the prevalence of magic realism as juxtaposed with reality. Specific conflicts could be studied for a deeper understanding of the cultural milieu, and more stories could be used to reveal the Filipino psyche of ordinary Filipinos.