Interplay of Magical Realism and Postmodernism in Toni Morrison's Beloved and Zoya Pirzad's I Will Turn Off the Lights: A Comparative Study Based on Epistemological and Ontological Concepts

Abstract

This study aims to explore the complex and multilayered interaction of magical realism and postmodernism in the novels Beloved by Toni Morrison and I Will Turn Off the Lights by Zoya Pirzad, regarded as two prominent examples of contemporary literature. Employing a comparative analytical approach and relevant literary theories, this research examines how these two authors utilize magical and postmodern elements to represent the complexities of identity, memory, history, and power. The findings indicate that the intersection of these two literary schools plays a significant role in creating polyphonic and polysemous narratives, enabling the authors to challenge traditional concepts of reality, time, and space. In Pirzad’s novel, there is an emphasis on depicting the everyday lives of women and their socio-cultural challenges in post-revolutionary Iran through the use of symbols and multilayered narratives. A deeper analysis reveals that such elements in both novels function not only as aesthetic devices but also as tools for critiquing power structures and discrimination. Focusing on concepts such as multiple identities, historical memory, and language as a tool of power, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the formation of social and cultural identities in complex conditions. The outcomes of this research not only expand knowledge in comparative literature and women's studies but can also serve as a model for analyzing other literary works and for a better comprehension of how social and political issues are represented in contemporary literature.