Modern Fantasy
Definition of Modern Fantasy Modern fantasy is different from other genres because the story elements violate the natural physical laws of our world – they always have elements of magic. - HOWEVER – Modern fantasy HAS known authors, unlike traditional fantasy which has no known authors..
Modern fantasy can be varied in its elements of magic. However, modern fantasy that is well written and high quality doesn’t use these elements casually. Fantasy may be the most difficult genre to write because the author must create a new set of physical laws. Unlike traditional fantasy, modern fantasy is held to the same standards as other genres.
Categories of Modern Fantasy Animal characters: Charlotte’s Web Toys and objects come to life: Pinocchio Tiny humans: The Littles
Peculiar characters and situations: Mary Poppins Imaginary worlds: Alice in Wonderland Magical powers: Chocolate Touch
Wait Until Helen Comes Home Supernatural powers: Wait Until Helen Comes Home Time warp fantasies: Door in the Lake, Magic Tree House series
High fantasy: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Modern fairy tales or folktales – also known as literary tales: Hans Christian Anderson, Jane Yolen, Rudyard Kipling
Some fantasy stories have “higher fantasy quotients” than others Some fantasy stories have “higher fantasy quotients” than others. Madsen, in 1976, identified 6 basic fantasy motifs. A story has to have all 6 fantasy motifs to be considered “high fantasy”.
They are: 1.Magic: is fantasy literature’s most basic element. 2. “Other worlds” (secondary worlds): establishes magical setting. The setting is established in 2 ways: Set the whole story in an imaginary land. Have the setting begin in the real world and then move it into the secondary world through a sort of portal.
3. Good vs. evil: Good vs. evil archetype is what myths are all about, and fantasy has strong basis in mythology. 4.Heroism: hero’s quest will always be the backbone of the fantasy tale. The hero’s story is always a circular journey – it always ends where it began. This is a template for many genres, but it began with fantasy stories.
Here is the template for the fantasy format: The journey of the hero begins. The hero crosses the threshold into the “otherworld” or into a place that is no longer safe and secure. The hero must be able to survive various trials in his new environment. The hero is assisted by a protective figure.
The hero matures to become to different better person. The hero returns home. ___________________________________________________________________________ 5. Special characters types include fairies, pixies, wizards. 6. Fantastic objects include magic cloaks, flying broomsticks. Some fantasy books use only 1 magic motif, some 4 out of 6, some all six.
Science Fiction: Science fiction differs from fantasy in subject, but not in the storytelling. Fantasy literature uses magic motifs with no explanation, while science fiction has an explanation for how it happens. Sci fi also addresses the way in which science may affect societies of humans or aliens or both.
Futuristic Fiction The focus is on dystopia – an imaginary place where people live dehumanized and often fearful lives. Science fantasy loosely plays with scientific fact. Plots are mixed with magical occurrences, i.e. Star Wars. Fantasy literature, sci - fi literature & science fantasy all help to develop children’s imaginations.
Truth in Fantasy Fiction Well written fantasy fiction tells the truth about life through it’s use of metaphors. In metaphoric language, it’s figurative nature strengthens writing three ways:
Metaphors: Speed understanding Create interest Add more emotional appeal The metaphor is more than the sum of its parts.
Compared with realistic fiction, fantasy is able to explain difficult topics in a more understandable way. In explaining death to a child, it is sometimes easier when put in more abstract circumstances. The Lasting Endurance of fantasy books: Peter Pan – 1906 Winnie the Pooh – 1926 Mary Poppins – 1934 Wind in the Willows – 1908 Wizard of Oz - 1900
Brainstorm: Do you want to write “high fantasy” or a fictional story with one or more “fantasy” elements? What will the setting (time & place) of your story be? Who will your main character be? Remember the 6 basic fantasy motifs : Magic Other Worlds Good vs. Evil Heroism Special Character Types Fantastic Objects