The Invention of the World Essay -- Literary Analysis, Jack Hodgins

In The Invention of the World, Jack Hodgins invites us to consider an alternative dystopia in which legerdemain and reality converge to create sense and constance in an otherwise chaotic existence. Unleashing an arsenal of characters in two parallel worlds, Hodgins attempts to uncover the mysteries of people, and he delves into the paradoxical literary genre of magic realism, a term coined by Franz Roh in 1925, to achieve this. Focussing on characterization, The Invention of the World offers sufficient surrealism to provide fictional entertainment, whilst cleverly basis his mythical record in a relatable reality inspired by history and realism. Specifically, Hodgins offers a lens into the lives of a number of characters. Arguably, Maggie Kyle and Wade Powers achieve enjoyment on their pilgrimage to Ireland through self-reflection and internal enlightenment conversely, Kineally and Becker, seek to achieve their constance through the manipulation, exploitation and dependence on ot her people in their lives. Hodgins novel traces the journey of these characters and evokes consideration of the effects of our choices on the long-term equilibrium of our existence and self-enlightenment.From the beginning of the tale, the motif of travel predominates. As Becker waves your car down the side onto the government ferry... (vii) we are not only introduced to the setting, but also the idea that Becker has a certain authority and inclination to control that journey. As Becker researches, documents and attempts to quantify the tale of Donal Keneally and his rise as founder of the Colony of the Revelation of Truth, we learn of his dissonance and inability to find contentment. Beckers energy on the pilgrimage was excited with trying to take eve... ...17). With Wades turbulent waters eventually settled by Maggie, this resonating re-birth enables both characters to realize a happiness that peck only be found within.To conclude, Hodginss entrancing tale merges fact with fic tion, magic with reality, and chaos with romance. While Becker and Keneally ultimately fail in their attempts to create, using rob and ambition as fuel towards constancy, Hodgins creates a poetic final scene in which Wade and Maggie Powers symbolically unite in matrimony, ironically wed by Horseman, Wades sagely nemesis, amongst the chaos of thrown insults, wielded chainsaws, food fights and terrible music, Maggie is, significantly, able to stand up, beside her husband, ready (353). Through the magic of myth, Hodgins teaches us to find a cast where we can be satisfied, enjoy who we are, and appreciate the important people around us.