Modern (Authored) Fantasy: Definition, Types, and Evaluation Presentation for ENG 360, Children’s Literature

Modern Fantasy Defined: Authored stories in which at least one characteristic of the world as we know it is altered

Which of these is a work of fantasy? Miss Nelson is Missing? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

Which of these is a work of fantasy?

Two Types of Modern Fantasy Low Fantasy: Entire story takes place in the world as we know it, but at least one element of reality is altered

Two Types of Modern Fantasy –High Fantasy: Type One Takes place entirely in a secondary (“other”) world The Book of Three

Two Types of Modern Fantasy –High Fantasy: Type Two Begins in real world, but characters are soon transported into another (magical) world where most of story occurs

In Traditional Tales –Characters –Motifs –Stylistic elements –Themes Roots of Modern Fantasy

Criteria for Evaluation

Plot and Characterization How well do these enable the reader to “suspend disbelief”? –Realistic characters confront and believe the fantastic –Plot develops a logical framework within which character’s actions are consistent

Point of View How well does this enable the reader to “suspend disbelief”? Is it well-chosen to provide the most believable telling? Is it maintained consistently?

Setting Is it developed so reader can see, hear, smell, and feel it? May help to “suspend disbelief” by beginning in the real world and moving into the fantasy world “Time warps” are a type of fantasy –Must be believable and authentic for both time periods

Themes Similar to Traditional Literature Deal with Universal Struggles –Good Vs. Evil –Once you have the power to look upon evil, seeing it for what it is and naming it by its true nature, it is powerless against you, and you can destroy it. –From The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander