How has fantasy as a genre been defined? Find at least five formative definitions in Attebery (1980)
When Attebery (1980) discusses the definition of fantasy, he refers to direct quotes by such authors as W R Irwin who says "an overt violation of what is generally accepted as possibility" is a primary feature of fantasy. When it comes to distinguishing fantasy from other genres Attebery (1980) sums it all up with his quote "By demanding a straight forward treatment of impossible characters, objects, or events, we can distinguish between fantasy and related genres.
Can the genre legitimately be defined by examples? How do English and American constructions of fantasy diverge, according to Attebery?
When Attebery (1980) discusses fantasy he mentions books such as Tolkien's "The lord of the Rings", C J Lewis's "Narnia" and Prelandra books, the Alice books and many more. Attebery (1980) mentions that there are many other works of lesser standing which could also fill many more shelves under the genre of fantasy. So while many examples comfortably fit under the genre of fantasy it may be easier to decide their suitability to the fantasy genre by applying quotes such as "founded upon the hard recognition that things are so in the world as it appears under the sun; on a recognition of fact but not a slavery to it"(Tolkien as sited in Attebery, 1980, p. 3). Another such quote which defines the fantasy genre is "Any narrative which includes as a significant part of it’s make up some violation of what the author clearly believes to be natural law- that is fantasy (Attebery, 1980, p. 3).
When discussing how English and American constructions of fantasy have diverged....I look forward to your answers as my own investigation has come up blank.
What are some archetypes (e.g. common character types) of fantasy fiction?
Wizards,goblins and dragons.
In what ways does Tax (2002) suggest Earthsea may still be relevant today?
Tax (2002) discusses how the Earthsea books paint a symbolic picture of where we are today because just like in the narratives males dominate when it comes to mature and authoritative leadership of any sort. Furthermore Tax (2002) mentions that the science fiction and heroic fantasy genre started out as man's domain however the continuing influx of women to this genre has not brought about any more psychological penetration in general.
Short Note: It is my understanding that we are not expected to answer all set the questions every week. (Please advise if i am wrong) just as we are not expected to read every reading?
Hi Shayne,
ReplyDeleteYou are not expected to answer all the set questions every week - just 2 or 3. You have been doing well in this area.
So how do you see the connection between FANTASY and REALITY/ The Real World working in bookd like Earth Sea or Lord of the Rings? How might this work for/against the reader? I'm not quite sure that your quotes and references to literature here give a clear definition of 'Fantasy' as a genre.
Could you please higlight the questions in italics? Just makes the questions themselves easier to identify.
I would like to see more of your own views and reaction to the primary and secondary texts here.
When it comes to the connection between fantasy and the real world for the reader I think having something like a landscape not to dissimilar from our own or even human characters that display human emotions, beliefs or ideals all add to the fantasy and provide us a level on which we can connect.
ReplyDeleteFrom my own experience I find I connect more with a Fantasy story if it portrays some of the elements that are from my own world rather than being too far out (unbelievable). I found after reading Earthsea and getting to the point where the village boy was using the magic he had overheard the woman using, I started getting hooked and wanted to read on to eager to find out what was next. I feel this was partly due to the environment he was in, which I could vividly picture in my head.
Sorry I have already posted week four but will do questions in Italic next week as well as providing more of my opinions when answering
Thanks Shayne :)
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