The Impossible

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the study of several non-mimetic categories that, despite postulating a rupture of the conventions of the real, do not produce a fantastic effect because they do not pose the possible–impossible conflict, essential for the definition of the fantastic. Thus, this chapter examines how science fiction, Christian marvellous, magical realism, and the grotesque works, because it is surprising, therefore, that although there are four very different categories, the theoretical proposals have all proliferated—from different perspectives—to bring them together under the same label (the fantastic), when these categories, while proposing different ways of transcend mimetic realism, do not generate a fantastic effect because that rupture of the mimetic does not seek to subvert our idea of reality.

“I can’t believe that!” said Alice.

“Can’t you?” the Queen said in a pitying tone. “Try again: draw a long breath, and shut your eyes.”

Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said: “one can’t believe impossible things.”

“I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

Lewis Carroll , Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There