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What is Fantasy?

The World of Fantasy in Children’s and YA Literature Prof. Shirley Santiago de Jimenéz English 326. What is Fantasy?. From the Greek word phantasia – appearance, imagination, a making visible

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What is Fantasy?

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  1. The World of Fantasy in Children’s and YA Literature Prof. Shirley Santiago de Jimenéz English 326

  2. What is Fantasy? • From the Greek word phantasia – appearance, imagination, a making visible • In literature, the genre of fiction in which story elements defy the natural, physical laws of our known world – events related to magic

  3. Traditional Fantasy • Oral in origin; authors are unknown • Characters are archetypes; they are symbolic of certain basic human traits, such as good or evil. • Characters do not typically change through the course of the story. • Plots are simple and direct; success stories where the underdog prevails by accomplishing an impossible task (rite of passage). • The journey will be full of magical, symbolic, and allegorical events which allow the hero to externalize his internal struggle

  4. Traditional Fantasy • Typical universal themes: • the rewards of mercy, kindness, and perseverance; justice and the punishment of evil; the power of love • Classic fantasy centers around quests for spiritual, political, or material motives

  5. Types of Traditional Fantasy • Folktales • Tall tales • Fables • Epics, ballads, and legends • Religious stories

  6. Modern Fantasy Differs from traditional in that it has known authors Must have strong, believable characters and should examine issues of the human condition and universal truths

  7. Categories of Modern Fantasy • Toys and objects imbued with life • Tiny humans • Peculiar characters and situations • Imaginary worlds • Magical powers • Supernatural tales • Time-warp fantasies

  8. Six Basic Fantasy Motifs: Madsen(1976) • Magic • Other worlds (secondary worlds) • Good versus evil • Heroism (the quest) a. The hero is called to adventure by some sort of herald. b. The hero crosses over into another world or an unsafe place. c. The hero must survive various trials. d. The hero is assisted by a protective figure. e. The hero matures, becoming a whole person. f. The hero returns home. • Special character types. • Fantastic objects.

  9. Other Types of Fantasies • Animal fantasy • Fantasy and the Mabinogion (medieval Welsh tales that are being used as a foundation for other stories) • King Arthur and other myths in fantasy • Fantasy on other worlds: dragons

  10. Criticism and Value of Fantasy • Leads readers to be out of touch with reality. • Violence will breed violence. • Frightening for young children. • A waste of time. • Evokes excitement, wonder, astonishment • from “let’s pretend.” • Works on the emotions with the same vividness of dreams. • Has the ability to develop a capacity for belief. • Offers the value of hope.

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