Fantasy Literature : Visiting the Faerie Realm

Abstract

"Fantasy Literature Visiting the Faerie Realm" is a thesis concerning the fantastic aspects of fantasy literature and the way such novels can be interpreted without being seen as allegorical. A brief history of fantastic fiction and its predecessors is given as well as a short outline of the critical traditions. The focus of this thesis is mainly on the two novels Faerie Tale by Raymond E. Feist and Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett, and as these novels are based on Shakespeare s play A Midsummer Night s Dream, this work plays a great part in the discussion. The two modern authors have used folklore and traditions as inspiration for their novels, and this is an important aspect of fantasy in general. By looking at the traditions and one of the texts on which these novels are based, this thesis shows that fantasy can be seen to have roots in a distant past, but also in our present day beliefs and theories. It also tries to show how reading fantasy can be valuable in itself by reminding us of an almost forgotten mythical heritage.