Fantasy Literature Research Articles

Adjective ‘Sudden’ in Phrases as a Means of Temporal Mitigation in English Fantasy Literature

This study explores the semantics of the temporal mitigation indicator, specifically the adjective ‘sudden,’ as a form of litotes in English-language fantasy prose from the 20th to 21st centuries. The aim of this research is to identify English phrases containing the adjective ‘sudden’ that serve as litotes in the representation of time, which are frequently employed in the specified texts. The methods utilized include semantic analysis, contextual analysis, and comparative analysis. The findings reveal a list of phrases actively used by various authors within the realm of 20th and 21st-century English-language fantasy prose that reflect a high degree of temporal mitigation within this genre. An analysis of selected fantasy texts indicates the presence of collocations featuring ‘sudden’ that are not documented in collocation dictionaries. A ranked list of these phrases, along with their respective authors, has been compiled. The examination of collocations expressing temporal mitigation shows that some are utilized by multiple authors, such as “the sudden darkness,” “sudden anxiety,” and “a sudden thought.” This suggests their stability, indicating that they could enhance existing collocation dictionaries of the English language. The practical significance of this study lies in its potential application in teaching courses on lexicology and lexicography of the English language at the university level.

Religion, secularism, and postsecularism in Chinese internet literature

Abstract Internet literature emerged in China in the 1990s and became commercialized in the early 2000s, with readers paying an access fee, which is split between literary platforms and their contracted writers, to access popular novels. While the most popular genre is fantasy, a type of imaginative literature devoted to invoking magic beyond the limits of empirical reality and scientific rationality, the primary source of magic for Chinese fantasy is traditional Chinese cosmology and its concrete applications in everyday practices. These ideas and practices, the onto-epistemic-practical foundation of Chinese religion before the twentieth century, were considered superstitious and targeted for elimination in modernizing and secularization processes. However, they have not only survived but taken up a new life in fantasy novels, which depict them as the antecedents of, alternatives to, or more advanced forms than modern scientific endeavors at engineering natural environments and enhancing human bodies. This is why I see online fantasy literature as a palimpsest bearing the traces of Chinese religion, Chinese secularism, and the social conditions of contemporary China. In bearing such traces, this literature exemplifies the postsecular.

Spatial Fantasies in Contemporary Russian Cinema

Fantastic film worlds give the viewer a new experience of understanding and living in space – combining different locations, establishing and overcoming boundaries, transitions into a fascinating other reality. This article examines the spatial patterns that create arenas of action for characters in Russian films and series of fantasy-mystical content shot in the 2020s. Analyses of worldbuilding in science fiction are related to philosophical ideas about possible worlds and are most represented by discussions of fantasy literature, whereas film fiction and the spaces it depicts await research attention. The authors dissect spatial patterns in sci-fi cinema as a reflection of current social conflicts/divisions and solidarities/convergences; reflecting on how spatial configurations encode the unprecedented mediation of modern technologies and normalize futuristic spatial practices. The focus is on the recurring film-to-film emphasis on the permeability, hybridity and tunnelling of space, on the phantasmagoria of non-releasing places. Russian cinema responds to an ontological philosophical agenda by visualizing the permeability of boundaries and the co-presence of man and other beings. The analysis shows that the portals and roads linking dream and reality, Soviet and modern Moscow, the cyber village on Mars and other planets of the solar system bear a significant plot load. The movement of the characters in an extraordinary space reproduces the archetypal test of the road and provides an opportunity to discuss social and attitudinal issues relevant to the Russian present. Particular attention is paid to the pattern of non-releasing space, which concentrates the fear of isolation characteristic of the established culture of mobility. Science fiction in cinema immerses viewers in worlds inhabited by unusual creatures, filled with artefacts, infrastructure, often through plot tension, frightening hints, visual effects draws attention to significant problems and challenges, including in the discussion of images of the future.

Digital Hybrid Technology and Literary Fantasy of Today's Cinema: A Case Study of Jumanji

This study examines how state-of-the-art cinematic techniques, such as computer-generated imagery (CGI), visual effects, and the integration of digital characters with real-world environments, are used to achieve a seamless blend of fantasy and reality in the "Jumanji" film series (1995, 2005, 2017, 2019). The research investigates bringing the "Jumanji" game to life and how these technologies materialize the fantasy elements of the original game within the real world. It explores crafting a fantastical narrative, i.e., how they establish a captivating and immersive space adventure experience in "Zathura." This study suggests that contemporary fans of "Jumanji" have a distinct perception of the film because they enjoy the mix of immersive fantasy and a sense of real-world connection.

Exploring Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Literature: An Analysis of Contemporary Works

Purpose: This study aims to explore the representation of gender roles and stereotypes in contemporary literature. The analysis was conducted using secondary data from a variety of literary works published in the past decade. The study aimed to investigate how gender dynamics are portrayed and whether traditional gender roles and stereotypes are reinforced or challenged. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to select appropriate works for analysis. A total of 30 novels and short stories were selected across different genres, including fiction, drama, and science fiction. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns related to gender roles and stereotypes. Findings: The findings of the study revealed a complex depiction of gender roles in contemporary literature. While some works challenged traditional gender norms and portrayed more fluid, non-stereotypical characters, others reinforced traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Additionally, the study found that the portrayal of gender roles varied across genres, with science fiction and fantasy literature often presenting more progressive and diverse gender representations. The study also identified several common stereotypes associated with gender, such as the nurturing and caring nature of women and the dominance and aggressiveness of men. However, it is important to note that these stereotypes were not universally present, and many works depicted characters who deviated from these norms. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of how gender roles and stereotypes are represented in contemporary literature. It reveals the complexity and diversity of gender dynamics portrayed in literary works, highlighting both the presence of traditional gender roles and stereotypes and the emergence of more fluid and non-stereotypical characters. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings suggest that literature has the potential to challenge and redefine gender norms and that the portrayal of gender roles varies across genres. This study provides insights for scholars, educators, and readers interested in understanding and discussing gender representation in literature and encourages further exploration of gender dynamics in contemporary literary works.

APPLICATION OF EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION AND LEXICAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN TRANSLATION OF ABSTRACT NOUNS (cased on the material of the work of S. Collins “The Hunger Games”)

The article generally analyzes the translation methods of abstract nouns in the fantastic work “The Hunger Games” by S. Collins using equivalent translation and lexical transformations. This question is relevant for modern translation studies since abstract nouns play asignificant role in the systems of modern languages of the world and are a large group among other classes of nouns. The author explores the specifics of translating abstract concepts in the context of fantasy literature and considers various strategies that can be used to preserve the meaning and emotional nuance of the original. Based on examples from The Hunger Games, the author shows which vocabulary transformations can be used to achieve the most accurate and effective translation. The results of the study indicate the importance of a careful approach to the translation of abstract nouns in the fantasy genre and the use of various translation strategies. The relevance of the research, therefore, is determined by the insufficient degree of study of the problem of translating abstract nouns in fiction from English to Ukrainian. We see the prospects of the research in the analysis of lexical transformations in the translation of textfragments with abstract nouns in the Ukrainian language.

Rejuvenation: From the Fictional Dr Heidegger (1837) to Pioneering Modern Plastic Surgeons (1901-1912).

This study aims to identify criticisms of rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery through an analysis of "Dr Heidegger's Experiment" (1837), written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Dr Heidegger an eccentric, aged scientist, invites 4 elderly friends to be his subjects of study. The guests drink the water from the "fountain of Youth." As their youth is restored, they revert to the foolish behaviors of their younger days. The 3 men soon start vying for the affection of the now youthful and attractive widow. In the midst of their rivalry over the widow, the vase is shattered, and miraculous water spills out. The guests revert to their elderly states. To regain their lost youth, they journey in search of the fountain. Hawthorne viewed rejuvenation procedures as consumptive and physically destructive transformations. His novel captures the modern anxiety surrounding rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery through the lens of literary fantasy. Observing the transformation of the 4 guests, Dr Heidegger understands that youth is too meager a prize to trade for the wisdom that comes with old age. Advancements in medical science have alleviated modern individuals' concerns regarding rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery. Eugen Holländer and Erich Lexer independently performed a facelift in Germany (1901). Charles Conrad Miller first described the blepharoplasty technique in the United States (1906). Suzanne Noël performed a rhytidectomy in France (1912). For the plastic surgeon, it is important to sculpt the face in a way that reflects the patient's virtues, such as wisdom and dignity-qualities that Hawthorne highlighted through the character of Dr Heidegger.

Tolkien and Voice

In this article at the intersection of literary studies and sound studies, I extend academic analysis of sound in modernist literature to the fantasy genre, focusing on the treatment of sound and voices in relation to the narrative building of invented worlds. Not only is sound an arguably under-analysed dimension of literary text, but the affective potential of reading, the sound of specific words, and the distribution and description of voices have wide-reaching implications for the ways authors can both subtly and overtly influence a reader’s reception of a text, a character, a scene, and – in the case of fantasy literature – entire invented races. I demonstrate how sound can play a unique role in fantasy worldbuilding and the potential narrative impact which sounds – if any – an author chooses to include or highlight in their work. Using the sound studies concept of ‘voice’, I analyse examples from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy to show the way that descriptions of voices signpost whether a character or race is friendly or antagonistic and explore the possible affective influence of such choices on the reader’s judgments. More specifically, I focus on the contrast between Saruman’s ‘enchanting’ voice which leads the listener astray and Gandalf’s ‘clear’ one countering it, as well as the descriptions of sounds emitted by the Black Riders versus the Ents, after a brief examination of which invented races get to speak in the first place or make other characteristic sounds. Thus, I illustrate the interplay of sound with fantasy worldbuilding, the importance of an author’s choice in who to give a speaking voice (or any sound at all), and the potential effect of sound descriptions on the reader.

THE BOOK COVER AS A NON-VERBAL MEANS OF NARRATIVE CREATING (BASED ON J. K. ROWLING’S “HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE”)

This scientific research is devoted to the analysis of book covers of the fourth part of septology about the little sorcerer by the British author J. K. Rowling "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". The purpose of the study is to identify the patterns of creation of illustrative images (on the cover) depending on the language of the work of fantasy literature and the target readership. The sample consists of publications in English (in the UK and the United States of America) and in Ukrainian. Particular attention was paid to the methods of creating covers by illustrators, their vision of the work and the target readership to which the publication was directed. The object of the study is a series of covers of the Harry Potter narrative in the English-speaking and Ukrainian-speaking society. The subject of the research is the process of influence of the book cover on the popularity of its narrative among readers in different countries and among different age groups. The issue of differences in the depiction of the novel by English-speaking illustrators in the original language (Bloomsbury Publishing House) and in American translation (Scholastic Publishing House), as well as by Ukrainian artists in the Ukrainian edition (A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA Publishing House) is considered. The results of the study are, on the one hand, the confirmation of the hypothesis regarding the dependence of the creation of illustrations by artists according to the language and the reader; on the other hand, it is found that the worldview of the illustrator himself is the basis for the depiction of the main characters on the cover of the novel.

How Medieval Lifestyle in Fantasy Literature Attracts Chinese

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.

The Specificity of Fantasy and the “Affective Novum”: A Theory of a Core Subset of Fantasy Literature

This article proposes a new approach to the nature of a core set within fantasy fiction that regards it as a speculative literature of the exploration of subjectivity, one which at its limit conjectures fresh possibilities for the subjective world. To motivate acceptance of this proposed approach, I begin by surveying the existing state of debate in the critical field. I notice the emergence of widening agreement on the idea that fantasy is a literature of the impossible. I then develop the logical implications of this widening agreement in the critical field, arguing that it entails a representational definition of fantasy literature, which implies a modal approach to the core set that defines this literary order. I suggest that the marvellous mode, the kind of writing which represents the impossible, is a broad class that includes other speculative literatures, and that what differentiates these is the referential world within which the impossible happens. The aim here is to break up monolithic conceptions of the impossible, while pointing to a motivation for developing an understanding of the specificity of a core set of fantasy texts that proceeds by way of contrasts. After explaining why I am extremely skeptical about the definition of science fiction as a “literature of the possible”, I probe descriptions of the difference between fantasy and sci-fi. I propose that whereas some science fiction is a literature of conjectural objectivity, guided by the “cognitive novum”, a significant group of fantasy texts is a literature of speculative subjectivity, guided by an “affective novum”.

Contemporary Themes in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Fantasy Universe

Harry Potter is considered a fantasy literature series written by J.K. Rowling, comprising seven books, with the first released in 1997. It narrates the life of an orphan boy who loses his parents at one year old, victim of a dark wizard’s deeds. This research delves into the elements that have contributed to Harry Potter’s status as a contemporary cultural icon in the fantasy world. It conducts a literary examination of the Series as a notable contemporary fantasy work, particularly significant in the two decades before this paper. The study analyzes critical aspects like settings, characters, plot, themes, narrative structure, and language to understand the widespread acclaim of Rowling’s creation. The results indicate various factors behind the series’ contemporary success, such as the development of engaging events and the impact of technological progress in the contemporary era on enhancing the success of J.K. Rowling’s work.

THE BASICS OF WORLD-BUILDING IN THE WORKS OF THE FANTASY GENRE

The article presents the theoretical foundations of world building in the genre of fantasy literature. In the context of the general category of fantasy literature, the creation of worlds is closely interrelated with science fiction. Consideration of the construction of the world can be divided into various aspects, depending on the point of view of the researcher. Some scientists divide into micro and macro levels, while others, without dividing it into two categories, analyze geography, biology, magic and culture in a single system. Practical guides for authors of fantasy literature describe in detail the process of world-building. The article examines the main groups that coincide among various researchers and authors of fantastic works, as well as variants of the worlds created by the authors. Such worlds include fictional, fictional, historical, or alternative worlds, as well as the original Earth. These categories of worlds fully or partially correspond to fantasy genres, revealing the main goals and intentions of the author. The influence of culture and the real world on the formation of the fictional world plays a special role. Fantasy is an excellent platform for exploring and uncovering the problems we face on a daily basis.

An Analysis of the Female Images in Tolkiens Works: Galadriel, owyn and Arwen

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is well recognized for his notable contributions to the genre of heroic romances, as shown by his renowned works, namely The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Consequently, he is widely regarded as the progenitor of contemporary fantasy literature. The study aims to examine the principal female characters in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, namely Galadriel, owyn, and Arwen, employing textual analysis and comparative study as the primary methods. The former two individuals serve as exemplars of female warriors, characterized by their courage, strength, unwavering convictions, and relentless pursuit of their aspirations. The latter represents a somewhat less favorable portrayal of the female image. Arwen, being designated as the "second sex", is shown with a dearth of individual narratives and distinct characteristics, primarily serving as a supporting figure to the male protagonists within the story. Nevertheless, despite the deficiencies in Tolkien's depiction of female representations, the merits of his work ultimately surpass the drawbacks.

Transhumanizm w uniwersum „Wiedźmina”

In the 21st century, concepts of human modification and improvement increasingly appear in scientific literature, extending beyond the realm of fantasy. Influenced by successful, advanced technological experiments, these concepts are transitioning from literary fiction to more serious philosophical discourse. This ancient quest first found literary expression in the 19th century, notably in the works of Jules Verne. Transhumanism in fantasy is primarily associated with science fiction, featuring human enhancement through advanced technology in narratives about distant futures, space travel, other planets, and the cyberpunk genre. However, the presence of transhumanist themes in fantasy literature receives less attention. In these cases, modifications are typically achieved through spells or the magical properties of potions and plants. In Poland, the most notable example is Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher universe, further developed by CD Projekt Red’s video games. The most literal example is the witchers, monster slayers created through magical mutations. Wizards represent a less obvious group of enhanced characters. Similarly, Princess Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon embodies transhumanist aspirations. These examples collectively illustrate the diverse manifestations of transhumanism in fantasy literature.

„Przeczucie. Gawęda o szarej godzinie” Józefa Bohdana Dziekońskiego jako literacka realizacja kategorii fantastyczności i fantazmatyczności

The article aims to analyze the fantastic and phantasmatic nature of the novella Premonition. The Tale at the Grey Hour by Józef Bohdan Dziekoński (1816–1855) within the latest definitional contexts of these terms, which are often overlooked or completely unused in the research on this writer. In the first part, the author reviews recent attempts to define the essence of 'fantasy' in Dziekoński’s works as per well-known researchers such as Antoni Gromadzki and Michał Szargot, while also acknowledging the contributions of new or yet unrecognized scholars, and then supplements these conclusions. Furthermore, the author incorporates the concept of 'phantasm' as explored in Maria Janion’s study On Phantasmatic Criticism, which has not yet been applied in research on Dziekoński’s works. The second part is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of the fantastic and phantasmatic character of Dziekoński’s little-known novella Premonition. The Tale at the Grey Hour. In applying the theoretical issues from the first part to the reading of this story, the author highlights the novella’s significance, where the ideals and worldview of the writer are embodied. This underscores the researcher's belief in Dziekoński’s ideological consistency evident in his literary works. Dziekoński’s reflections on fantasy as a literary genre, or a broadly understood method of literary expression, are also discussed. According to him, fantasy literature must fulfill specific socio-cultural criteria to properly align with its era and gain acceptance. The novella Premonition. The Tale at the Grey Hour exemplifies the author’s implementation of these ideas and worldviews, a point strongly emphasized in the article.

Homely Pastorals versus the Unhomely Forest in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit

Homely Pastorals versus the Unhomely Forest in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit

“Yer a Wizard”: How Fantasy Fiction Facilitates Playing with Emotions and Reinforces Magical Thinking

In this paper, the author argues that fantasy literature serves as a cognitive playground that helps us practise and reaffirm our magical-thinking intuitions. He demonstrates how, just as in magical practices, magic in fantasy fiction becomes a tool for overcoming difficulties and restoring a sense of balance, security, and control. He contends that supernatural agents can be seen as emotional correlatives, giving faces and voices to emotional states and describing a phenomenon from the perspective of how it feels, rather than from a rational viewpoint. This opens up a possibility to articulate those aspects of our emotional lives that are difficult to express in terms of mimetic representation. He posits that, through distancing, fantasy fiction creates a safe environment for engaging with such emotional states, in which magic restores our intuition that no matter how dark our situation appears, we have an inner capacity to overcome it. The main example that is used in the paper is J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

Historie alternatywne i steampunk a emancypacja i prawa kobiet. Rozważania wstępne

The article deals with the presence of reflections on emancipation and women’s rights in alternative and steampunk stories. The author points out that in both of the above‑mentioned genres of fantasy literature, these issues are not an overarching theme, despite the fact that criticism and subversive rewriting of past eras from the point of view of the present is inherent in these genres. The analysis shows that anachronically conceived emancipation of women takes place mainly in novels set in historical eras far removed from the present (deep antiquity and, far less frequently, the Middle Ages). Novels closer to contemporaneity, set in the 18th and 19th centuries, generally do not subject emancipation and women’s rights to alternative reflection. This is all the more astonishing if one bears in mind the fact that the 19th century was time of the birth of the feminist and suffragette movements. This reluctance to rework the nineteenth century from the point of view of women’s emancipation is due to the still active cultural memory of the period. The author’s thesis is that the unwillingness to rework the issues of emancipation and women’s rights in an alternative way is related to the still active cultural paradigm, founded, among others, on the Judeo‑Christian tradition. Another reason is the domination of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ in alternative and steampunk, which is a literary, phantasmatic reaction to the dynamic processes of women’s emancipation taking place in the actual world.

Moral Value of Fantasy Literary: A Critical Discourse

Fantasy literature has grown, diversified, and become famous in recent decades. One such phenomenon is Harry Potter, which has a readership base from all over the world to make this fantasy literary novel one of the world's most famous cultures. However, it is crucial to know how popular culture influences moral practices in its readers, so it is necessary to identify what kind of moral representation appears in the text. This study aims to examine the representation of ideology through moral conceptions. Fairclough's critical discourse analysis was applied to discover the reality behind the text of the Harry Potter novels and The Philosopher's Stone. The finding of this study is that there are ten discourses of moral representation related to morality in education, morality in private and public interactions, morality formed based on social strata, and morality in the view of norms and ethics. Morality is not only about good and bad but how it affects the order of life in social life, even though it is represented in an unlimited imagination.Fantasy literature has grown, diversified, and become famous in recent decades. One such phenomenon is Harry Potter, which has a readership base from all over the world to make this fantasy literary novel one of the world's most famous cultures. However, it is crucial to know how popular culture influences moral practices in its readers, so it is necessary to identify what kind of moral representation appears in the text. This study aims to examine the representation of ideology through moral conceptions. Fairclough's critical discourse analysis was applied to discover the reality behind the text of the Harry Potter novels and The Philosopher's Stone. The finding of this study is that there are ten discourses of moral representation related to morality in education, morality in private and public interactions, morality formed based on social strata, and morality in the view of norms and ethics. Morality is not only about good and bad but how it affects the order of life in social life, even though it is represented in an unlimited imagination.