How Fantasy Reflects our World (Feat. Lindsay Ellis) | It's Lit

Summary

This script explores the fantasy genre's appeal and its roots in history and mythology. It distinguishes between high fantasy, portal fantasy, and urban fantasy, highlighting their unique characteristics and societal reflections. The discussion also touches on the genre's potential to simplify or confront complex realities, and its power to explore and reinterpret our past, ultimately reminding us of the significance of our present actions.

Takeaways

• 📚 Fantasy is often misunderstood as a genre for children or filled with cliches like elves and barbarians, but it offers a lens to explore societal values and our past, present, and future.
• 🎭 The best fantasy works go beyond mere appearances, using the genre to delve into deeper themes and societal issues.
• 🌟 Fantasy and science fiction are grouped under speculative fiction, but they differ in their approach; science fiction looks forward with technology, while fantasy looks back at history and myth.
• 🏰 High fantasy, like 'A Song of Ice and Fire', is set in completely fabricated worlds with their own rules, separate from reality, often inspired by historical and legendary elements.
• ⚔️ Sword and sorcery fantasy, exemplified by 'Conan the Barbarian', features exotic locations and can sometimes be problematic in its depiction of non-European cultures.
• 🚪 Portal fantasy, such as 'The Chronicles of Narnia', involves characters from the real world crossing over into a fantasy realm, often used as a teaching moment in children's literature.
• 🏙️ Urban fantasy, like 'The Dresden Files', takes place in our world but with a fantastical twist, such as secret magic societies or supernatural beings living among us.
• 🐉 According to Daniel Baker, fantasy often maintains the status quo, allowing readers to vicariously defeat evil through the hero and reinforcing a desire to escape rather than change the world.
• 📜 Fantasy can simplify and echo the past rather than confronting it, and written history can also be seen as a form of fantasy, written by the victors.
• 🌈 Despite its potential to reinforce the status quo, fantasy can also be used to explore, reframe, and deconstruct our histories and cultures, providing valuable insights into the human experience.
• 🌟 Fantasy, as noted by Michael Derrida, can remind us that our world is neither prosaic nor meaningless, and how we live and what we do truly matters.

Q & A

What is the general perception of fantasy as a literary genre according to the script?

The script suggests that fantasy is often seen as a genre not for children or filled with clichés like wizards, dragons, and magic. It is not typically associated with prestige or award-winning works but has gained popularity with shows like 'Game of Thrones'.

How does the script differentiate between science fiction and fantasy?

The script differentiates the two by stating that science fiction is a forward-looking genre, propelled by technology and future possibilities, while fantasy is more backward-looking, inspired by history and often rooted in Anglo-Nordic culture.

What are some examples of seminal fantasy classics mentioned in the script?

The script mentions 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien and 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White as examples of seminal fantasy classics.

What is the significance of J.R.R. Tolkien's work in the context of fantasy literature?

Tolkien's work is significant because he created an entire world that feels both familiar and fantastical by looking back at Norse mythology and linguistics, effectively laying the blueprint for the entire fantasy genre.

What is the definition of 'high fantasy' or 'epic fantasy' as per the script?

High fantasy or epic fantasy is set in a completely fabricated world with its own consistent rules and physical laws, separate from the real world, and can be inspired by history and legend.

How does the script describe the 'sword and sorcery' sub-genre of fantasy?

The script describes 'sword and sorcery' as featuring characters like Conan the Barbarian in exotic, quasi-mythological locations, but notes that such depictions can be problematic in their portrayal of non-European peoples.

What is 'portal fantasy' and what are some examples given in the script?

Portal fantasy is a sub-genre where characters from the real world cross over into a fantasy world. Examples given in the script include 'The Chronicles of Narnia', 'The Wizard of Oz', and 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'.

What is 'urban fantasy' and how does it differ from other fantasy sub-genres?

Urban fantasy takes place in our world but with a fantastical twist, such as secret magic societies or the existence of supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves. It differs from other sub-genres by grounding the fantasy elements in a contemporary setting.

What role does the script suggest fantasy serves in exploring our histories and cultures?

The script suggests that fantasy can serve as a lens to explore and reinterpret our histories and cultures, allowing for the reframing, idealization, deconstruction, and exploration of past narratives.

How does the script address the criticism that fantasy simplifies history?

The script acknowledges that fantasy can simplify history but also argues that it can be a fascinating study of how we reframe and explore our past, and that written history itself can be a form of fantasy as it is often written by the victors.

What is the 'Great American Read' and how is it related to the script?

The 'Great American Read' is a series on PBS about why people love to read, leading to a nationwide vote on America's favorite novel. The script mentions it as an opportunity for viewers to engage with literature and vote for their favorite books, including fantasy novels.