‘Fantasy literature’ is a term most people have come across at some point in their lives nowadays. [...] Since the recognition of
fantasy as a literary genre, “most have treated it as an international and mainly Anglo-Saxon form" (Manlove:1999, 1). Therefore, it appears only reasonable to take a closer
look at the sort of fantasy literature that originates from the English-speaking countries. [...] Some of the best known authors of fantasy literature are of English or Scottish origin. Both England and Scotland begot highly creative and sophisticated fantasists. And works of both English and Scottish fantasy have had a great impact on the entire genre. [...] Although they are neighbours and share a common language, English and Scottish fantasists have always had very different ways of expressing themselves. The aim of this dissertation is to point out the similarities as well as the differences of English and Scottish fantasy literature, in order to clarify what it is exactly
that characterises them. As there are a great many different pieces of literature which provide material for the analysis and characterisation of Scottish and English fantasy,
statements on the two shall be underlined with examples. [...] A famous English novel belonging to the fantasy genre is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (AAW) written by
Lewis Carroll in 1865. It is often categorised as children's fantasy. One of the most famous pieces of Scottish fantasy literature, which was also written for children, is J. M.
Barrie’s Peter Pan (PP), published in 1911. These two books will serve as the basis for
a comparison of English and Scottish fantasy literature.
At the beginning of this dissertation, the attempt for a general definition of the
term ‘fantasy literature’ will be made. This will be followed by a short characterisation of
fantasy in the historical context of the Victorian era, as well as a definition of the
category ’children’s fantasy'. Then there will be a general characterisation of Scottish
and then of English fantasy. After that, the two novels will be introduced, beginning with
short biographies of their authors, followed by summaries of their plots and then an
examination of the respective characteristics that mark them as either Scottish or
English. Based on the results of the analysis, the dissertation concludes with a
comparison of English and Scottish fantasy. The books written by Colin Manlove [...] will serve
as the most important resource for this analysis.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Fantasy Literature
- A. A Definition of Fantasy
- B. Victorian Fantasy
- C. Children's Fantasy
- III. English Fantasy Literature
- IV. Scottish Fantasy Literature
- V. Alice in Wonderland
- A. Lewis Carroll - Biography
- B. Story
- C. Characteristics that mark the story as English Fantasy
- VI. Peter Pan
- A. James Matthew Barrie - Biography
- B. Story
- C. Characteristics that mark the story as Scottish Fantasy
- VII. Conclusion
- VIII. Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to compare and contrast English and Scottish fantasy literature, identifying the characteristics that distinguish them. Using Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Peter Pan as case studies, the work explores the unique expressions of fantasy within these two national literary traditions. The analysis will highlight similarities and differences in thematic concerns, narrative styles, and character development.
- Definition and evolution of the fantasy genre.
- Characteristics of Victorian fantasy.
- Comparison of English and Scottish approaches to fantasy literature.
- Analysis of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as an example of English fantasy.
- Analysis of Peter Pan as an example of Scottish fantasy.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the dissertation. It highlights the relatively recent recognition of fantasy as a distinct literary genre, particularly its rise to prominence after Tolkien's work gained international recognition. The chapter emphasizes the rich tradition of fantasy literature in the British Isles, specifically England and Scotland, and introduces the two novels—Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Peter Pan—that will serve as the central focus for the comparative analysis. The author explains the methodology, focusing on comparing similar content and timeframes to allow for easier comparison of English and Scottish fantasy.
II. Fantasy Literature: This chapter delves into the complexities of defining "fantasy literature." It acknowledges the difficulties inherent in creating a universally accepted definition, referencing various attempts by scholars to delineate the genre's boundaries. The chapter grapples with the question of what constitutes the "supernatural" and how that concept shapes the genre. The discussion uses multiple definitions from Colin Manlove's work to illustrate the challenges and nuances of defining fantasy, demonstrating that the genre isn't solely defined by the presence of magical creatures but by the presence of the supernatural or impossible.
III. English Fantasy Literature: [This section would contain a summary of the chapter on English Fantasy Literature. Since the provided text excerpt does not contain this chapter, a summary cannot be provided here.]
IV. Scottish Fantasy Literature: [This section would contain a summary of the chapter on Scottish Fantasy Literature. Since the provided text excerpt does not contain this chapter, a summary cannot be provided here.]
V. Alice in Wonderland: This chapter offers a detailed exploration of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It begins with a concise biography of the author, followed by a summary of the plot. The main focus, however, is on analyzing the specific characteristics that solidify the novel's status as a prime example of English fantasy literature. This analysis would likely examine thematic elements, narrative techniques, and stylistic choices to identify the English qualities.
VI. Peter Pan: This chapter provides a similar in-depth analysis of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. The chapter begins with a biographical sketch of Barrie, followed by a plot summary. The core of the chapter would focus on identifying and exploring the characteristics that distinguish Peter Pan as a representative work of Scottish fantasy, contrasting it with the features examined in the Alice in Wonderland chapter. The comparison would likely focus on themes, narrative structure, and overall tone.
Keywords
English fantasy literature, Scottish fantasy literature, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lewis Carroll, J.M. Barrie, Victorian fantasy, children's fantasy, comparative literature, genre definition, supernatural, magic.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Study of English and Scottish Fantasy Literature
What is the main focus of this dissertation?
This dissertation compares and contrasts English and Scottish fantasy literature, identifying their distinguishing characteristics. It uses Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Peter Pan as case studies to explore the unique expressions of fantasy within these two national literary traditions. The analysis highlights similarities and differences in thematic concerns, narrative styles, and character development.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the definition and evolution of the fantasy genre, characteristics of Victorian fantasy, a comparison of English and Scottish approaches to fantasy literature, an analysis of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as English fantasy, and an analysis of Peter Pan as Scottish fantasy.
What is the methodology used in this comparative analysis?
The methodology focuses on comparing similar content and timeframes to allow for easier comparison of English and Scottish fantasy. This allows for a clearer understanding of the nuances and differences between the two national literary traditions.
What is the significance of including Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Peter Pan?
These two novels serve as central case studies for the comparative analysis, allowing for a detailed examination of how English and Scottish literary traditions manifest in fantasy literature. Their inclusion provides concrete examples to support the broader theoretical discussion.
How does the dissertation define "fantasy literature"?
The dissertation acknowledges the challenges in defining "fantasy literature," referencing scholarly attempts to delineate the genre's boundaries. It explores the role of the "supernatural" and "impossible" in defining the genre, demonstrating that fantasy isn't solely defined by magical creatures but by the presence of elements beyond the realm of the ordinary.
What aspects of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland are analyzed?
The analysis of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland includes a biography of Lewis Carroll, a plot summary, and a detailed examination of characteristics that solidify its status as English fantasy. This includes thematic elements, narrative techniques, and stylistic choices.
What aspects of Peter Pan are analyzed?
The analysis of Peter Pan includes a biography of J.M. Barrie, a plot summary, and a detailed examination of characteristics that identify it as Scottish fantasy. This analysis contrasts its features with those of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, focusing on themes, narrative structure, and overall tone.
What are the key chapters and their content?
The dissertation includes chapters on Introduction (setting the context and methodology), Fantasy Literature (defining the genre), English Fantasy Literature (an overview of the English tradition), Scottish Fantasy Literature (an overview of the Scottish tradition), Alice in Wonderland (in-depth analysis), Peter Pan (in-depth analysis), Conclusion, and Bibliography.
What are the keywords associated with this dissertation?
Keywords include English fantasy literature, Scottish fantasy literature, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lewis Carroll, J.M. Barrie, Victorian fantasy, children's fantasy, comparative literature, genre definition, supernatural, and magic.
- Quote paper
- Amina Belabbes (Author), 2009, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/136324
