Lesson 5: High Fantasy Flashcards
Define: High Fantasy
- Often set in fictional worlds entirely separate from our own, with intricate world-building, including unique cultures, languages, and histories.
- Typically involves epic quests, battles between good and evil, and the struggle for control or protection of magical artifacts or realms.
- Magic is prevalent and often integral to the plot, with wizards, dragons, elves, dwarves, and other mythical creatures common.
- Examples include J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, and Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” series.
Define: Low Fantasy
- Usually set in a world similar to our own, with magical elements introduced into an otherwise realistic setting. This setting may be historical, contemporary, or even future-oriented.
- The focus may be more on individual characters and their personal journeys rather than grand, world-altering quests.
- Magic, if present, is often subtle, mysterious, or even taboo, and may not be as central to the plot as in high fantasy.
- Examples include Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere,” Scott Lynch’s “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” and Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy.
What is meant by the terms “primary world” and “secondary world”?
“Primary world” refers to the real world or our reality, while “secondary world” refers to a fictional world created by an author, separate from our own reality.
According to Tolkien, within secondary worlds, whether Middle Earth, Earthsea, Narnia, or Prydain, inner consistency is paramount to the belief in such a world. Such consistency is crucial to what Tolkien calls “secondary belief” or the belief in a secondary world.
What are the primary and secondary worlds of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? How do the children enter the secondary world?
In “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the primary world is the house of the professor, to which four children are sent to escape the air raids in London during the Second World War. The secondary world is the magical land of Narnia. The children enter Narnia through a wardrobe in the spare room of the house where they are staying.
Briefly explain the allegorical import of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is often seen as an allegory of Christian themes, with Aslan representing Jesus Christ, the White Witch symbolizing evil or temptation, and the children’s journey mirroring aspects of the Christian narrative, such as redemption, sacrifice, and resurrection. It’s also interpreted as a tale of good versus evil, courage, and the triumph of righteousness over tyranny.
What is the function (role and significance) of the Professor in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?
Guide and Mentor: The Professor provides guidance and wisdom to the children, especially when they first discover the entrance to Narnia through the wardrobe. He encourages them to trust their own experiences and intuition, fostering their growth and independence.
Keeper of Secrets: The Professor keeps an open mind to the possibility of magical worlds like Narnia, even though others might dismiss such ideas as childish fantasies. He creates a safe space for the children to share their experiences without judgment.
Foreshadowing: The Professor’s cryptic remarks about Narnia and his understanding of its existence hint at deeper mysteries and foreshadow events that unfold later in the story.
Discuss the role and significance of time and space in Lewis’s fantasy.
In Lewis’s fantasy world of Narnia, time and space are fluid and symbolic. Characters experience time differently between Narnia and the real world. Time symbolizes growth and cyclical patterns, reflecting characters’ development and the recurring themes of the story. Narnia serves as a platform to explore philosophical ideas, and characters face challenges related to time and space, adding depth to the narrative and creating an immersive world.
What is the significance of the final chapter of Lewis’s book, “The Hunting of the White Stag”? Does this chapter in any way diminish the children’s experience of Narnia?
The final chapter, “The Hunting of the White Stag,” holds significance in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” as it symbolizes the completion of the children’s journey and their reign as kings and queens of Narnia. It marks the fulfillment of their destiny and the end of their time in Narnia as rulers. While it may be seen as the conclusion of their adventure, it also implies a sense of continuity and the cyclical nature of Narnian history, suggesting that their experiences will live on in Narnian lore and that others may follow in their footsteps. This chapter does not necessarily diminish the children’s experience of Narnia but rather provides a sense of closure and the acknowledgment of their growth and transformation during their time in the magical land.
Explore Bilbo’s development by examining the underground scenes in The Hobbit.
Bilbo’s development in “The Hobbit” is marked by his experiences in the underground scenes. In the goblin tunnels, he confronts his fears and shows courage. In Gollum’s cave, he displays cunning and empathy. Finally, beneath the Lonely Mountain, he proves his bravery and resourcefulness against Smaug. These encounters shape him from a timid hobbit into a capable adventurer.
What is the nature of the quest in The Hobbit?
The Hobbit is probably the best example of the quest motif in children’s literature. Its structure as a quest is central to the novel. Bilbo is engaged as the burglar by Thorin and Company in order to recover the dragon-guarded treasure. They set out from Bilbo’s home, journey through “hobbit-lands” before passing out into the Lone-lands where their first serious adventure takes place. They then journey across the Misty Mountains, through the forest of Mirkwood, and finally arrive at their goal: the Lonely Mountain in the east. The structure of the quest involves the movement from one point to another in search of a specific goal. It is possible to map out the progress of the company as they make their way toward the Lonely Mountain. That they achieve their goal is, of course, important, but even more important, and what makes up the bulk of the adventure, is what happens along the way.
Briefly compare and contrast The Hobbit and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in terms of:
appetite
In “The Hobbit,” appetite is often portrayed in a lighthearted manner, with Bilbo’s love of food and comfort contrasting with the dwarves’ hearty appetites. The feast scenes, particularly in the beginning of the story, highlight the importance of food and hospitality in hobbit culture.
In “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” appetite is used more symbolically, particularly in the Turkish Delight offered by the White Witch, representing temptation and the allure of power. The lack of food under the White Witch’s rule also emphasizes her tyranny and the desolation of Narnia.
Briefly compare and contrast The Hobbit and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in terms of:
animal characters
“The Hobbit” features various animal characters, including Beorn, a shape-shifter who can transform into a bear, and the talking ravens who provide information to Gandalf and the company. These animal characters often serve as allies or guides to the protagonists.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” also includes animal characters, such as Aslan the lion, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and various mythical creatures like centaurs and fauns. These animals play significant roles in the story, both as companions to the protagonists and as participants in the battles against the White Witch’s forces.
Briefly compare and contrast The Hobbit and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in terms of:
magic
In “The Hobbit,” magic is depicted as mysterious and fantastical, often wielded by powerful beings like Gandalf and the Necromancer (later revealed to be Sauron). The magical elements, such as the enchanted weapons and artifacts, add to the sense of adventure and wonder in the story.
In “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” magic is more pervasive and central to the plot, with the White Witch’s sorcery casting a frozen winter over Narnia and Aslan’s magic bringing about its thaw. The deeper magic and prophecies woven into the fabric of Narnia play a crucial role in the resolution of the conflict between good and evil.
