Mariana Duenas

IB Literature
Mr. Wilson
5/14/13

Comparison Essay: The House of the Spirits and Pans Labyrinth

In the genre of magical realism, authors often utilize magic and mysticism as a

way to explore a larger theme or idea. The contrast between the magical world and the

real world often reveals aspects of the underlying theme. Moreover, magic is often

defines the character who possesses it and frequently places them apart from the other

characters. Isabel Allendes book The House of the Spirits and Guillermo del Toros film

Pans Labyrinth both are distinct examples of the different uses of magic. Although these

works are very different from each other, they are similar in their usage of magical

realism to express themes and ideas, and create unique characters.

Magic is used to portray the theme of feminism in Isabel Allendes The House of the

Spirits. Being a well-known feminist herself, Isabel Allende creates strong female

characters in her story. Each woman fights for the rights of the poor and strives to make

her country a beacon of equality through works of charity. Allende also gives some of the

female characters magical abilities, setting them apart from the others. From the

beginning of the story, where Rosa the Beautiful is introduced, it is clear that her magical

characteristics put her above the rest. At birth Rosa was white and smooth, without a

wrinkle, like a porcelain doll, with green hair and yellow eyesthe most beautiful

creature to be born on earth since the days of original sin (4). Allendes feminist views

are portrayed through this female character whose magic attracts the attention of

everybody around her. In addition, Claras clairvoyance puts her at an advantage over her
misogynistic, conservative husband. Due to his extremely conservative views, Esteban

believes that men are more powerful than women. This is especially evident when he

rapes all of the women in his hacienda. While Esteban has control over everybody in his

family, his town, and is in the process of gaining control in politics, the only thing he is

incapable of controlling is Claras magic. This puts Clara in a position of greater power,

and counteracts his resentment towards women. Claras magical powers give her the

strength to overcome Estebans power, thus reflecting the novels feminist theme.

As with The House of the Spirits, magic is used as a reflection of the underlying

themes in Pans Labyrinth. Set in Post- Civil War Spain, Pans Labyrinth focuses mainly

on the themes of war and thirst for power. These themes are constantly seen in the movie

through the character Capitan Vidal, who is violent and relentless when it comes to war.

He strives to win against the rebels and stops at nothing to do so. The dark and belligerent

nature of this character is reflected in the use of magic. In contrast to the wonder and

marvel that magic possesses in most stories, the magic in Pans Labyrinth is eerie and

dark. There are several frightening scenes involving magic, such as when Ofelia wakes

the monster when attempting to complete the second task. This daunting portrayal of

magic reflects the fear-provoking themes of the movie. Add more.

Along with portraying underlying themes, both works use magic as an escape for

the main character. Ofelia, the main character in Pans Labyrinth, is intrigued by the

magical world of fairytales that she reads about in her book. However, most of the adult

figures in her life discourage her from reading these books. Here, Ofelia uses magic as a

means of escaping the harsh reality she is living in. This idea of magic as an escape is

also present in The House of the Spirits. In the novel, Clara also uses magic as a way to
escape her reality. When her sister Rosa dies, Clara did not speak again until nine years

later (39). She gets away from the real world by retreating to the magic inside her mind.

There, she is able to use her psychic abilities to predict the future and separate herself

from the rest of the world. Through its usage in both works, it is clear that magic is a

critical part of each womans life, and certainly defines them as a character.

In conclusion, magical realism incorporates magic into the otherwise realistic

setting of a book or movie. Magic often sets characters apart from the rest and further

explains a theme or idea present in the story. In the case of The House of the Spirits and

Pans Labyrinth, magic is used to provide insight on the underlying theme, and as an

essential feature of the main character. These stories are key examples of the ways in

which authors and directors use magic to make their work come alive.