“In the Shadow of War” can be categorized as magical realism. What elements of the story place it in this genre? What do these elements add to the story that would not exist if it were written in a strictly realistic style?

Teaching Suggestion: If your students are not familiar with magical realism, you might have them research the genre online before discussing the questions. This “Introduction to Magical Realism” provides solid background, especially the section “6 Key Characteristics of Magical Realism.”

Differentiation Suggestion: Because the elements of magical realism in the story are subtle, students who struggle with identifying genre might work in pairs or small groups to review the story one paragraph at a time to find hints of the supernatural or otherworldly. Examples include the description of the eclipse in paragraphs 6-12; descriptions of the black-veiled woman in paragraphs 15, 32-33, and 39; the seeming transformation of canoes into dead animals and then dead men in paragraphs 34-39; and Omovo’s experience of running through the misty forest observed by an owl in paragraph 39.