MODERN FANTASY

By Hilary Dobyns, Norman Fietzke & Taylor

Gibson

W H AT I S M O D E R N FA N TA S Y
a genre of literature that is closely related to traditional
literature
not originally told orally
works are written down by known authors who can be
identified, unlike traditional literature where the original
author is likely to be unknown
like traditional literature, modern fantasy sometimes uses
talking animals as characters

W H AT I S M O D E R N FA N TA S Y
readers will still encounter magical realms or spells and
mythological figures, like gods and goddesses
modern fantasy borrows from
old tales
sometimes uses ancient mythologies and folktales

the hero is called to experience

some form of quest to reach a goal
Develop and learn about him/herself

Fantasy creates an alternative universe, which operates on laws

different than our own

M O D E R N FA N TA S Y T E X T S

Percy Jackson, a demi-god,

who is accused of stealing
Zues lighting bolt, goes on
mission to rescue his mother
from Hades.

Harry Potter receives an

acceptance letter into a school
via an owl where he learns
magic, makes friends, flies on a
broomstick and discovers
himself.

M O D E R N FA N TA SY T EXT S

Four kids enter a

wardrobe and pop
out in Narnia where
there is a evil witch
and a talking Lion.

A Scarecrow, after being

hit by lightning and
coming to life, goes on an
adventure full of terrifying
dangers with a boy named
Jack.

M O D E R N FA N TA SY T EXT S

Peer, with two allies

(a girl and a house
spirit) sets out to
stop the trolls from
taking children.

Sparkling vampires

CHARACTERIZATION
Characters can have special powers
Animals act like people (animorphisism)

SET TING
Place is imaginary or of another world or universe
Time is anytime or no time
Fantasy time
Time travel is possible

PLOT
Varied, but usually surprising twists or developments
Involving situations not possible in our real world
Full of action and follows specific and simple patterns
The plot starts right out with fast moving action that
grabs the listeners interest and keeps it.
Conflicts are usually resolved with great deeds or acts
of human kindness related to good and bad/evil.

THEME
Good versus evil
Uses magic or other ideas to achieve the impossible

Problems of young adults

Security
Fear of leaving home
Fear of not having children
Fear of not being loved or giving love
Reflect basic values and concerns of different cultures
Good and evil
Right and wrong
Justice and injustice
Happiness, kindness, friendship, loyalty
Good triumphs over evil
Love and loyalty
Discuss basic values of people

M O D E R N FA N TA S Y I N T H E
C L A SS R O O M
By having our students read novels or books that
are considered modern fantasy, we are exposing
them to many different characters and settings.
Also, using novels that are considered modern
fantasy helps us to teach our students to explore plot.
We can use these novels to teach all of the main
aspects of fiction (Characters, setting, plot, theme).