How Medieval Lifestyle in Fantasy Literature Attracts Chinese

Abstract

The medieval lifestyle has been realized as an element in fantasy literature, which can create an imaginary world and attract readers with historical features. The aim of the present research was to explore the effects of medievalism in fantasy works and analyze its influence on Chinese readers. The Lord of the Rings was chosen to be the example, and a qualitative method was executed to categorize and analyze Chinese readers reactions to the example. Tables and word clouds illustrated the popularity of the Lord of the Rings in China and the reasons why Chinese readers were attracted by the story. Results showed that medievalism as symbols in the fantasy works provided the story with exoticism and pastoralism. And Chinese readers can be attracted by symbols and the values behind them. In view of these findings, this research revealed the possibility that masterpieces with general values can be admired by readers from other parts of the world.