In the 1970s, Argentina was hit by political and social difficulties. With the death of President Peron and his wife Isabel, who came to power – only to be overthrown by a military junta led by Jorge Videla – Argentina and its people were traumatized by terrorist violence “that left hundreds dead” and thousands of “disappeared” (“Chronology: Argentina”). This era of violence became known as the "Dirty War" and many of the people who opposed the current socio-political system were devastated or killed. Many of those killed were people who identified as homosexuals or Marxists. Manuel Puig's novel Kiss of the Spider Woman portrays the story of two imprisoned men from different spectrums of unacceptable standards that run counter to 1970s Argentine society: one a Marxist political threat (Valentin) and the other a homosexual ( Molina). At the beginning of the novel, the two characters are presented as opposites who do not seem to get along; that later, their relationship evolves to require them to have a real desire to get closer to each other despite the prejudices instilled in them by Argentine society. Through the films described by Molina, we readers are shown the progression of the two characters as they realize that they are no different from each other and create a special bond. Puig's use of the film The Cat People, footnotes, and Molina's death as symbols highlights the idea of ​​magical realism. Through the use of magical realism, Puig allows the reader to be more open-minded towards different social ideals, particularly homosexuality. Magical realism, by definition, is a literary style that addresses social concerns, but masks the...... middle of paper ......understanding the need for a change in one's perspective towards others; mainly homosexuals. The main point of using magical realism is its fantasy aspects. Fantasy allows the reader, characters, and author a safe, controlled environment to freely express worldly ideas and thoughts that cannot be defined or changed by the prejudices and harshness of the real world. Molina and his homosexuality are described as a testimony to challenge and remind the reader of the problems of all societies, not just those of homosexuals. Puig longs for a world where oppressed people like him can walk the streets freely and no longer worry about living in a fantasy. Works Cited Puig, Manuel. Spider Woman's Kiss. Trans. Thomas Colchie. New York: vintage, 1979. Print. "Timeline: Argentina." BBC News. BBC, 7 October 2012. Web. 19 April. 2014.