The Handsomest Drowned Man By Gabriel García Márquez

Realism
As a literary style that blurs elements of fantasy with reality, magical realism compels readers to explore and embrace different perspectives and truths found in and beyond the rational world. Magical realism encompasses a range of specific techniques and characteristics used to blend the extraordinary and the ordinary; however, stories that effectively use these techniques can enhance readers’ abilities to understand the characters of a story and convey themes on a deeper, more insightful level. “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World,” written by Gabriel García Márquez, captivates readers through a short story of an impoverished, barren seaside village that is forever transformed by the arrival of a mysterious yet enchanting dead man whom inspires the inhabitants of the village.

They feel extremely sorry for him and “...they wept so much, for he was the most destitute, most peaceful, and most obliging man on earth, poor Esteban” (Márquez 93). Magical realism allows the villagers to empathize and form an emotional connection with Esteban, a dead man whom they know nothing about. To express their admiration for Esteban, the villagers hold a splendid funeral to say goodbye. During the funeral, the villagers “became aware for the first time of the desolation of their streets, the dryness of their courtyards, [and] the narrowness of their dreams” (Márquez 95). The use of magical realism in Esteban’s phenomenal presence provides the villagers with a newfound sense of their surrounding, inspiring them to take action. From then on, the villagers will dedicate their time and energy to transform their village to honor and suit the needs of Esteban, in hopes that he will one day return. Through the villagers’ unique and sudden changes of outlook, readers ponder how one extraordinary man can bring together an entire