Fantasy literature , Science fiction

                   1.Fantasy literature

 

Definition of Fantasy 

Fantasy is a form of literary genre in which a plot cannot occur in the real world. Its plot usually involves witchcraft or magic, taking place on an undiscovered planet of an unknown world. Its overall theme and setting involve a combination of technology, architecture, and language, which sometimes resemble European medieval ages. The most interesting thing about fantasies is that their plot involves witches, mythical and animal creatures talking like humans, and other things that never happen in real life.

What does fantasy mean in literature?

Fantasy literature is literature set in an imaginary universe, often but not always without any locations, events, or people from the real world. Magic, the supernatural and magical creatures are common in many of these imaginary worlds. Fantasy literature may be directed at both children and adults.

Types of Fantasy 

Modern Folk tales 

Magical Fantasy

Alternative Worlds & Enchanted Journeys

Quest or Heroic Fantasy (High Fantasy)

Mystery and Supernatural Fantasy

1) Heroic Fantasy (High Fantasy)

These fantasies involve adventures with a search, quest, and motif. While this quest could be a pursuit for a higher purpose, like justice and love, or for getting a reward like hidden treasure, or a magical power; the conflict of heroic fantasies focuses on struggle between evil and good. The protagonist struggles with internal weakness and temptations.

Examples 

The Lord of the Rings trilogy / Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien The Hero and the Crown, by Robin Mc Kinley The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander.

2)Alternative Worlds & Enchanted Journeys

In these fantasies, you see leading character undertaking a journey to an alternative world, or a fantasy world. Though realistic tales also employ journeys, you would only see magical things happen in fantasy journeys.

  Examples 

Alice Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by K. Rowling Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift.

3)Mystery and Supernatural Fantasy 

One of the most common forms of supernatural fantasy is known as a “ghost story.” Ghosts could be either helpful protectors, or fearsome adversaries. However, in a mystery, the solution is always a supernatural one, or through supernatural assistance such as witchcraft.  

Example

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving

Modern Folktales

Modern folktales are types of fantasy that narrators tell in a traditional tale accompanying some typical elements, such as strong conflict, little description of characters, fast-moving plot with a quick resolution, and sometimes magical elements and vague settings. However, these tales are popular, as authors throughout history have written them. Hans Christian Andersen has written several fairly tales. 

Examples 

The Nightingale 

The Emperor’s New Clothes 

Thumbelina

The Ugly Duckling

                2.Science fiction 

Science fiction is a type of imaginative literature. It provides a mental picture of something that may happen on realistic scientific principles and facts. This fiction might portray, for instance, a world where young people are living on Mars. Hence, it is known as “futuristic fiction.” It dramatizes the wonders of technology, and resembles heroic fantasy where magic is substituted with technology. 

Examples 

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

Rocket Ship Galileo, by Robert Heinlein

The White Mountains, by John Christopher