Lesson 4: The Evolution of Fantasy Flashcards

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1
Q

List the main categories into which Russell divides fantasy.

A
  • Animal Fantasy
  • Toy Fantasy
  • Eccentric Characters
  • Enchanted Journeys
  • Epic Fantasy
  • Miniature Fantasy
  • Time Slip Fantasy
  • Supernatural and Horror Fantasy
  • Science Fiction
  • Dystopias
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2
Q

Animal Fantasy:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Animal fantsies are those in which animals talk and behave like humans.

Ex. E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web”

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3
Q

Toy Fantasy:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Toy fantasy features toys or other inanimate objects coming to life and having adventures.

Ex. Carlo Collodi’s “The Adventures of Pinocchio”

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4
Q

Eccentric Characters:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Eccentric characters fantasy revolves around quirky and unconventional characters who embark on unusual adventures or quests. These stories often celebrate individuality and creativity.

Ex. Lewis Carroll’s “Alice Adventures in Wonderland”

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5
Q

Enchanted Journeys:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Enchanted journeys fantasy involves characters embarking on epic quests or journeys through magical or fantastical realms.

Ex. Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”

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6
Q

Epic Fantasy:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Epic fantasy encompasses sprawling narratives set in richly detailed secondary worlds, often featuring epic quests, battles between good and evil, and complex mythologies.

Ex. C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia”

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7
Q

Miniature Fantasy:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Miniature fantasy features tiny or miniature worlds inhabited by small creatures or beings.

Ex. Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”

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8
Q

Time Slip Fantasy:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Time slip fantasy involves characters traveling through time, either intentionally or accidentally, and experiencing adventures or challenges in different time periods.

Ex. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”

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9
Q

Supernatural and Horror Fantasy:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

The supernatural in fantasy generally comes in the form of ghosts, vampires, zombies, and other supernatural apparitions when they intersect with our world.

Ex. Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline”

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10
Q

Science Fiction:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Science fiction explores speculative or futuristic concepts, often involving advanced technology, space exploration, or alternate realities.

Ex. Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game”

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11
Q

Dystopias:

Give an overview and list at least one example

A

Dystopian fiction portrays societies characterized by oppression, totalitarianism, or other forms of social or political control.

Ex. Lois Lowry’s “The Giver”

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12
Q

List the nine characteristics that Russell associates with good fantasy.

A
  1. Evocative Setting: Fantasy worlds should be richly imagined and vividly described, capturing the reader’s imagination and transporting them to another realm.
  2. Magical Elements: Fantasy often incorporates magical or supernatural elements that defy the laws of the real world, adding wonder and mystery to the narrative.
  3. Heroic Figures: Protagonists in fantasy literature often embody heroic qualities such as courage, resilience, and determination as they embark on epic quests or confront formidable challenges.
  4. Moral Conflict: Good fantasy explores moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries, challenging characters to make difficult choices and wrestle with the consequences of their actions.
  5. Interplay of Light and Dark: Fantasy frequently explores themes of light and dark, good and evil, presenting a nuanced portrayal of morality and the complexities of human nature.
  6. Sense of Wonder: Fantasy should inspire a sense of wonder and awe, captivating readers with its imaginative scope and limitless possibilities.
  7. Mythic Resonance: Fantasy often draws upon myths, legends, and folklore, tapping into archetypal themes and motifs that resonate across cultures and generations.
  8. Rich Symbolism: Fantasy is often rich in symbolism, using allegory and metaphor to explore deeper layers of meaning and provoke thought and reflection.
  9. Subcreation: Fantasy authors engage in the process of subcreation, inventing entire worlds, cultures, and languages that are internally consistent and coherent, fostering a sense of immersion and realism for the reader.
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13
Q

Define fantasy (in general)

A

Fantasy is a genre of fiction characterized by imaginative elements, often involving magical or supernatural phenomena, set in alternative worlds or containing elements that depart from reality.

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14
Q

Define allegory

A

Allegory is a literary device where characters, events, or settings represent abstract ideas or moral principles, often with a deeper symbolic meaning.

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15
Q

Define primary and secondary worlds

A

Tolkien differentiated the real world (Primary World) from the imaginary world that exists within the author’s mind (Secondary World).

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16
Q

Identify some of the changes in the nineteenth century that led to a new kind of children’s literature.

A

The Romantic movement, advancements in printing technology, and a growing emphasis on childhood innocence and imagination fostered the development of fantasy literature specifically for children, with authors like the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen contributing iconic fairy tales during this period.

17
Q

What according to Tymn, Zahorski, and Boyer distinguishes true fantasy from other types of fiction that include nonrational phenomena? List five types of fiction often classified as fantasy that Tymn et al. exclude from the fantasy genre.

A
  • What distinguishes fantasy from other types of literature with nonrational elements, they say, is that fantasy does not attempt to justify or explain nonrational events or “nonrational causality”

Types excluded from the fantasy genre:

  • dream visions
  • psychological fantasies
  • weird tales
  • lost race adventures
  • science fiction
18
Q

Briefly discuss The Princess and the Goblin from the perspectives of narrative tone and voice, setting, Biblical and other religious allusions, allegory, character and character development, and the role of the grandmother.

A
  • narrative tone and voice:
    “The Princess and the Goblin” features a whimsical narrative tone and voice that captivate readers.
  • setting:
    A magical mountain kingdom with goblins living in the mines below the earth
  • bliblical and other religious allusions:
    The wise Grandmother guiding Irene akin to a deity, the King’s instructions mirroring divine guidance, light symbolizing protection, and characters’ journeys reflecting themes of struggle and redemption.
  • allegory:
    an allegory for the battle between good and evil. Princess Irene represents innocence and purity, while the goblins symbolize malevolence and darkness.
  • character and character development:
    Irene grows from a curious girl into a courageous heroine, while Curdie evolves from a skeptical boy into a brave and loyal friend.
  • role of the grandmother:
    serves as a wise and guiding figure, offering moral support, protection, and valuable lessons to Princess Irene and Curdie. She provides crucial guidance, aids in overcoming obstacles, and instills courage and wisdom in the protagonists throughout their journey.
19
Q

Compare and contrast the four main female characters in The Princess and the Goblin.

A
  1. Princess Irene: Irene is the young protagonist, characterized by her innocence, curiosity, and bravery. She undergoes significant growth throughout the story, learning to overcome fear and trust in herself.
  2. Lootie: Lootie serves as Irene’s nursemaid and companion. Initially skeptical and fearful, she gradually becomes more open-minded and supportive of Irene’s adventures.
  3. The Grandmother: The Grandmother is a wise and mystical figure who plays a crucial role in guiding Irene and Curdie. She embodies wisdom, compassion, and protection, providing guidance and support to Irene as she faces challenges.
  4. The Goblin Queen: the Goblin Queen is a central antagonist, representing malevolence and darkness.
20
Q

In what ways does The Princess and the Goblin reflect the elements of traditional folktales?

A

Magical Elements: Like many folktales, the story incorporates magical elements such as enchanted creatures, mystical beings, and supernatural occurrences, adding a sense of wonder and whimsy to the narrative.

Moral Lessons: The story conveys moral lessons and values, such as bravery, kindness, and perseverance, which are common themes in traditional folktales. Characters like Princess Irene and Curdie learn important lessons as they face challenges and overcome obstacles.

Archetypal Characters: The characters in “The Princess and the Goblin” often embody archetypal roles found in folktales, such as the brave heroine, the wise mentor (the Grandmother), and the villainous antagonist (the Goblin Queen), adding depth and familiarity to the narrative.

Sense of Wonder: Similar to folktales, “The Princess and the Goblin” evokes a sense of wonder and imagination, transporting readers to a fantastical world filled with adventure, mystery, and magic.

Narrative Structure: The story follows a traditional narrative structure commonly found in folktales, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as elements of suspense, conflict, and resolution, engaging readers in a timeless and universal storytelling format.

21
Q

Kenneth Grahame

A

Known for “The Wind in the Willows,” Grahame’s work celebrates friendship and adventure, with anthropomorphic animals as central characters.

22
Q

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

A

His poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” has influenced numerous fantasy and adventure stories, with its supernatural elements and moral themes.

23
Q

Charles Kingsley

A

Author of “The Water-Babies,” Kingsley’s work addresses social issues through allegory and fantasy, appealing to both children and adults.

24
Q

Lewis Carroll

A

Famous for “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass,” Carroll’s surreal and imaginative tales challenge conventions and captivate readers of all ages.

25
Q

J.M. Barrie

A

Creator of “Peter Pan,” Barrie’s story of the boy who never grows up has become a timeless classic, exploring themes of childhood, imagination, and escapism.

26
Q

Hugh Lofting

A

Best known for the “Doctor Dolittle” series, Lofting’s stories about a doctor who can talk to animals have entertained and inspired generations of readers.

27
Q

Pinocchio

A

Originally written by Carlo Collodi, “Pinocchio” follows the adventures of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, teaching lessons about honesty, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions.

28
Q

A.A. Milne

A

Creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, Milne’s stories celebrate friendship, simplicity, and the joys of childhood, resonating with readers of all ages.

29
Q

J.K. Rowling

A

Author of the “Harry Potter” series, Rowling’s work has had a profound impact on children’s literature, inspiring a love of reading and fostering a sense of wonder and imagination.

30
Q

C.S. Lewis

A

Best known for “The Chronicles of Narnia,” Lewis’ fantasy series explores themes of faith, morality, and redemption in a magical world accessible to both children and adults.

31
Q

Susan Cooper

A

Author of “The Dark is Rising” series, Cooper’s work blends Arthurian legend with modern-day fantasy, exploring themes of good versus evil and the power of myth and magic.

32
Q

Ursula Le Guin

A

Known for “A Wizard of Earthsea” and “The Left Hand of Darkness,” Le Guin’s work challenges gender norms and explores complex themes of identity, power, and society.

33
Q

Monica Hughes

A

A Canadian author known for her science fiction and fantasy novels for young adults, including the “Isis” and “Guardian of Isis” series.

34
Q

Mary Shelley

A

Author of “Frankenstein,” Shelley’s groundbreaking work in Gothic literature has influenced countless works of science fiction and horror, exploring themes of creation, morality, and the consequences of scientific ambition.

35
Q

Madeleine L’Engle

A

Best known for “A Wrinkle in Time” and its sequels, L’Engle’s work blends science fiction, fantasy, and spirituality, addressing themes of love, acceptance, and the battle between good and evil.