Fantasy

The Fantasy Genre Events occur outside the ordinary laws that operate within the universe. Magic is central to the fantasy genre. Fantasy stories often involve journeys and quests.

How does fantasy differ from science fiction and fairy tales? Science fiction stories also operate outside the normal boundaries of the real world but they are usually set in the future and involve the wonders of technology Fairy tales are shorter than most fantasy works. Characters and settings lack specificity. Seldom are place names given or detailed descriptions of characters provided in fairy tales; nuances and subtleties of portrayal are deliberately ignored.

Types of fantasy There are 3 different ways that fantasy writers set up their worlds. – Some novels begin and end in a fantasy world (for example The Hobbit or A Wizard of Earthsea). – Others start in the real world and move into a fantasy world (for example Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan). – A third type of fantasy is set in the real world but elements of magic intrude upon it (for example Mary Poppins or David Almond’s Skellig). – Realistic settings are often called primary worlds; fantasy settings, secondary worlds.

Portals between worlds Protagonists usually cross some kind of opening or “portal” between the two worlds Examples of portals: – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: a wardrobe – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: a painting – Haroun and the Sea of Stories: sleep – Harry Potter books: platform 9 and ¾ – Coraline: a door in a flat – Peter Pan: magical flight – The Golden Compass: windows cut between worlds – Inkheart: a gifted storyteller reads aloud

Why do writers use the fantasy genre? The major advantage of fantasy is that it can open up possibilities; it is not confined to the boundaries of the real world. Writers are able to convey complex ideas on a symbolic level that would be difficult to convey otherwise. Fantasy works can provide a fresh perspective on the real world. Fantasy stories can suggest universal truths through the use of magic and the supernatural.

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Fairy Tales What is it that makes a story a fairy tale? As with folktales, fairy tales have an oral tradition, and they usually take place "long ago." There are several elements present in most of these stories, however, that identify them as part of the genre of fairy tales

Set in the past Use some form or variation of "Once upon a time" Fantasy or make-believe elements Enchanted setting - can include forests, castles, water or kingdoms Clearly defined good and evil characters Magical elements Characters take on unusual forms (giants, witches, dwarfs, talking animals) Groups of 3 (objects, people or events) Clearly defined problem, climax and resolution Most often they have a happy ending Teach a lesson that is important to the culture it came from Most importantly, fairy tales do NOT have to include a fairy!

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between fairytales and fantasy? How do we know that Harry Potter is a fantasy, and Cinderella is a fairytale, and not vice versa?

Harry Potter may be a fantasy, but not a fairytale, while Cinderella is a fairytale within the larger genre of fantasy. Harry Potter also has romance in it, and mystery … will you find it in the “romance” or “mystery” section of your library? Nope. Those things are the sub- categories that fall under its fantasy classification. And “fairytale” is a sub- category as well, as far as I’m concerned.

A fairytale is always a fantasy, whereas a fantasy need not be a fairytale.

Letter Writing HEADING: Includes the address and the date. In some cases, it is OK to just write the date. GREETING: The greeting usually starts with 'Dear' and is followed the person's name and then a comma. BODY: After skipping a line, you begin the body of your letter which is the main text of your letter. Indent for each new paragraph. CLOSING: The closing includes a short capitalized expression such as 'Sincerely' or 'Love' and is followed by a comma. Skip a line after the body before writing your closing. SIGNATURE: You sign your name beginning directly below the closing. Sometimes you may add a POSTSCRIPT at the end of your letter. You write P.S., add a note and then end it with your initials

What kind of things might you write in your friendly letter? Tell your friend about something fun you recently did. Congratulate your friend on a job well done for a recent accomplishment. Ask you friend some questions. (What is your favorite color? Do you have any pets? Do you play sports? etc.) Share about a place you visited. Ask for advice. Tell about a book you've just read that you think your friend would also enjoy. Remember to always use your best handwriting so your friend can read your letter. Use proper punctuation, spelling and grammar. Follow the 'Golden Rule' of letter writing: Write only the types of things that you would like to receive in a letter.

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