FANTASY FICTION STUDY GUIDE

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"Dare to reach out and touch the face of the unknown"
                                                    J. Yolen
                                                 The Devil's Arithmetic

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DIRECTORY
fdrg11a.gif (7608 bytes) Definition & Characteristics fdrg11a.gif (7608 bytes) Idealism and Imagination
fdrg11a.gif (7608 bytes) Elements fdrg11a.gif (7608 bytes) Her Majesty's Wizard
fdrg11a.gif (7608 bytes) Characters fdrg11a.gif (7608 bytes) 10th Home Page

 

Definition & Characteristics
Definition: writing that contradicts a presupposed view of reality
treats impossible as if true
remains consistent

 

Elements
takes place in a non-existent and unreal world
  • connection between the worlds is believable
  • alternate, secondary, world is believable
can be used for entertainment or to comment on the real world
world has established theology
the quest
employs physical and scientific principles contrary to present experience (e.g. time travel, invisibility, magic)
magic
  • acts as equalizer between good & evil, powerful and powerless
  • has rules
  • has consequences
  • may be an object and subject of quest
evil is real - no easy fix for evil
concerns incredible and unreal characters
reader identifies with characters

directory

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Characters
protagonists
  • have human flaws
  • seeking a place to belong - finds or makes a place of his own
Hero
  • hero doesn't fit traditional mold
  • strength not always physical
  • reluctant hero
  • on quest - coming of age/fate of a kingdom
Heroine
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shows strength of character
Wizard
  • mighty, powerful, mysterious
  • may be reluctant or novice
Villain

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 diabolical connections
motivation
evil underlings for dirty work
Companions
  • assorted types/different cultures
  • help until hero reaches full potential

directory

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Idealism & Imagination
literature of empowerment
there is always - creates hope in readers
open to possibilities
explores ideas, systems
  • stereotypes, prejudice, destruction of a way of life
  • common theme - subjugation of others
symbols of meaningful struggle (knight in shining armor)
symbols of truth
challenges the way things are
fight for good/right
raises questions - "What is right?"

directory

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