The Development of Childrens Fantasy .docVIP

The Development of Children’s Fantasy Candyce L. Pruitt Southern Connecticut State University ILS 517.S70 Professor DisbrowAbstract Fantasy is a particular kind of fiction which breaks one or more of the rules that govern reality (Cullinan and Person, 2003). Fantasy invents its own altered reality that is governed by its own rules (Cullinan and Person, 2003). While the origins of children’s fantasy are rooted in fairy tales, legends, and myths, extended fantasy narratives for children were, for the most part, nonexistent until 1865 (Cullinan and Person, 2003). In 1865, the landmark publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland marked the beginning of the rise of children’s fantasy literature (Cullinan and Person, 2003). Since this landmark publication, many more significant literary fantasy works have been published for children, including earlier works such as Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and The Hobbit, as well as modern works such as the Harry Potter series, The Lightning Thief, and Peter and the Starcatchers. As time has progressed, children’s fantasy works have tended to increase both in length and complexity, and have become increasingly accepted by society. The Development of Children’s Fantasy Fantasy, a special kind of fiction, breaks one or more of the rules that govern reality, and thus invents its own altered reality that creates its own rules (Cullinan and Person, 2003). While the origins of children’s fantasy are rooted in fairy tales, myths, legends, and folklore, extended fantasy narratives for children were, for the most part, discouraged by American and European societies up until the latter half of the nineteenth century (Cullinan and Person, 2003). These societies’ perceptions of children’s literature confined it to narratives which were to serve the sole purpose of teaching children lessons and morals (Hunt and Butts, 1995). In 1865, however, the landmark publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland marked the beginning of the rise of