Fantasy

The Literature of Subversion

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Fantasy by Dr Rosemary Jackson, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dr Rosemary Jackson ISBN: 9781134974016
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 7, 2008
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Dr Rosemary Jackson
ISBN: 9781134974016
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 7, 2008
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This study argues against vague interpretations of fantasy as mere escapism and seeks to define it as a distinct kind of narrative. A general theoretical section introduces recent work on fantasy, notably Tzventan Todorov's The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre (1973). Dr Jackson, however, extends Todorov's ideas to include aspects of psychoanalytical theory. Seeing fantasy as primarily an expression of unconscious drives, she stresses the importance of the writings of Freud and subsequent theorists when analysing recurrent themes, such as doubling or multiplying selves, mirror images, metamorphosis and bodily disintegration.^l Gothic fiction, classic Victorian fantasies, the 'fantastic realism' of Dickens and Dostoevsky, tales by Mary Shelley, James Hogg, E.T.A. Hoffmann, George Eliot, Henry James, Joseph Conrad, R.L. Stevenson, Franz Kafka, Mervyn Peake and Thomas Pynchon are among the texts covered. Through a reading of thse frequently disquieting works, Dr Jackson moves towards a definition of fantasy expressing cultural unease. These issues are discussed in relation to a wide range of fantasies with varying images of desire and disenchantment.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This study argues against vague interpretations of fantasy as mere escapism and seeks to define it as a distinct kind of narrative. A general theoretical section introduces recent work on fantasy, notably Tzventan Todorov's The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre (1973). Dr Jackson, however, extends Todorov's ideas to include aspects of psychoanalytical theory. Seeing fantasy as primarily an expression of unconscious drives, she stresses the importance of the writings of Freud and subsequent theorists when analysing recurrent themes, such as doubling or multiplying selves, mirror images, metamorphosis and bodily disintegration.^l Gothic fiction, classic Victorian fantasies, the 'fantastic realism' of Dickens and Dostoevsky, tales by Mary Shelley, James Hogg, E.T.A. Hoffmann, George Eliot, Henry James, Joseph Conrad, R.L. Stevenson, Franz Kafka, Mervyn Peake and Thomas Pynchon are among the texts covered. Through a reading of thse frequently disquieting works, Dr Jackson moves towards a definition of fantasy expressing cultural unease. These issues are discussed in relation to a wide range of fantasies with varying images of desire and disenchantment.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Environment, Education and Society in the Asia-Pacific by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Everybody's America by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Revolutionary Violence and the New Left by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book The Caucasus and Central Asian Republics at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Child Care Policy at the Crossroads by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book A History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Exchange and Power in Social Life by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Donald W. Winnicott by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Sardinian Syntax by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Disrupted Narratives by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book The Organisational Dynamics of University Reform in Japan by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Art Therapy for Groups by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Managed in Hong Kong by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book Environment Reporters in the 21st Century by Dr Rosemary Jackson
Cover of the book International Dictionary of Public Management and Governance by Dr Rosemary Jackson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy