This thesis is a study of fantasy literature as a genre of popular contemporary literature; a genre usually considered as low culture, especially within the academic world. Being a fan of this literary genre myself, I try not only to defend it through this paper but also to argue for a general cultural democracy. In my opinion both low culture and high culture belong to the general notion of culture; whether they are liked and preferred by few or by many people, they deserve to be respected.
My aim is to examine fantasy literature from many angles in order to figure out how it makes its appeal and why. To be specific and explain my argument the best way possible, I analyze specific works of fantasy literature as examples. The books I chose to work with are J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy Lord of the Rings and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Furthermore Science Fiction is briefly discussed in order to look into the differences and similarities between these two genres and clarify the controversial distinction between them. Before proceeding to the main body of the paper, I consider necessary a brief introduction to the blurred and controversial notions of cultural studies and popular culture.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Cultural Studies and Popular Culture
1.2 Fantasy Literature and Science Fiction
1.3 Fantasy and Children’s Literature
1.4 The appeal of fantasy
2 Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling: Why Harry Potter?
2.1 The author, the plot and the main characters
2.2 Magic
2.3 Society, Politics and Class
2.4 Discrimination: Race and Blood
2.5 Gender in Harry Potter
2.6 There’s something about Harry
2.7 Language Use in Harry Potter
3 Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien: the author, the plot and the characters.
3.1 On Fairy Stories: Recovery, Escapism, Consolation
3.2 The glow of the past: allusions and credibility
3.3 Narrative Techniques and Structure
3.4 Characters: Heroes and Villains
3.5 Themes and Religious perspectives
4 Epilogue
Objectives and Topics
This thesis examines the genre of fantasy literature as a significant form of contemporary popular culture, aiming to defend its literary merit and cultural importance. By analyzing J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the study explores how these works achieve mass appeal and function as reflections of, and commentaries on, real-world social, political, and historical issues.
- The role of fantasy literature within cultural studies and its distinction from science fiction.
- The socioeconomic, political, and racial themes embedded in popular fantasy narratives.
- Gender representation and the construction of selfhood in contemporary fantasy characters.
- The function of escapism and imagination as essential human experiences rather than mere entertainment.
- Tolkien’s concepts of Recovery, Escapism, and Consolation as foundational to the fantasy genre.
Excerpt from the Book
The appeal of fantasy
Finally let us turn to the question stated above, which constitutes one of the main themes of this paper: why fantasy literature is so appealing? What makes it popular? If we are to speak generally about this kind of literature (both fantasy and science fiction) and its appeal, we can locate some common characteristics responsible for this popularity. Both genres are based on imagination, meaning mental image-making or in other words ‘unreality’. This notion of the unreal gives a feeling of freedom from the dominant fact and reality; it is the extraordinary, the unusual that takes the reader by surprise and allures him. As J.R.R. Tolkien argues “That the images are of things not in the primary world (if that indeed is possible) is a virtue not a vice” (139). Imagination and fantasy are natural human needs and appealing by nature.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of fantasy as a genre often relegated to 'low culture' and establishes the thesis's argument for cultural democracy and the serious academic study of fantasy.
2 Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling: Why Harry Potter?: Explores the unprecedented global success of the series and justifies its academic analysis by highlighting the work's social and cultural controversy.
3 Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien: the author, the plot and the characters.: Analyzes the foundational elements of Tolkien's work, emphasizing his intricate world-building, mythological roots, and religious undertones.
4 Epilogue: Concludes the thesis by comparing the two works, highlighting the differences in their narrative styles and structural precision, and reaffirming the value of fantasy as a tool for deeper social insight.
Keywords
Fantasy literature, Popular culture, Cultural studies, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Escapism, Cultural democracy, Literary criticism, Narrative techniques, Social commentary, Middle-Earth, Hogwarts, Subcreation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this thesis?
The thesis explores the genre of fantasy literature as a legitimate and important part of contemporary popular culture, moving beyond the academic dismissal of such works as "low culture."
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the social and political functions of fantasy, racial and class discrimination, the construction of gender roles, and the psychological appeal of escapism.
What is the main goal or research question?
The central aim is to determine why fantasy literature is so appealing to readers and to demonstrate that its popularity does not equate to a lack of literary or social value.
What research methodology is employed?
The author employs a comparative literary analysis, utilizing concepts from cultural studies, Marxist theory, and reception theory to evaluate specific literary works.
What is covered in the main body of the paper?
The body examines the specific works of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, covering their narrative techniques, character developments, and the underlying allegorical meanings related to our modern reality.
Which keywords define this work?
Core concepts include Cultural Studies, Fantasy Literature, Subcreation, Escapism, Popular Culture, and the comparative analysis of Middle-Earth and the wizarding world.
How does the author interpret the concept of 'escapism'?
Unlike critics who view escapism as a negative or passive state, the author argues it is a form of rebellion and a necessary tool for regrouping one's forces to face the realities of life.
How does the author view the distinction between 'high' and 'low' culture?
The author rejects the traditional binary division, advocating instead for a "cultural democracy" where all forms of art are respected, as they all reflect and shape human experience.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Magdalini Choleva (Autor:in), 2014, Fantasy Literature as a genre of Popular Culture. Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/311787
