Continuum

Last semester, I took the Nonfiction Literature course where we read an article called Nonfiction Literature for Children: Old Assumptions and New Directions by Barbara Kiefer and Melissa Wilson.  This article looked at nonfiction and fiction literature on a continuum that Penny Coleman created (see graphic below) for evaluating literary devices for fiction and nonfiction literature.

A visual model for analyzing fiction and nonfiction texts.

After the readings this week, I wonder if a similar continuum could be useful in viewing devices used specifically in fantasy literature to help classify sub-genres.  One continuum would describe plot settings.  One end would be other-worldly high fantasy where cultures, languages, governments, etc. are made up to the other end being enchanted realism where "The settings in these books are real, they do have an aura of enchantment about them" (Egoff 8).  While these continuums are book-ended by sub-genres, I believe it would allow individual evaluations and for sub-genres to blend more easily between "completely theoretical" and "realistic with a touch of the unbelievable" even with the idea that all fantasy can be a "true reflection of reality" (Egoff 1).

other-wordly setting <------------------------------------------------------------>realistic or "Earthly" setting

 plot settings

epic scope<----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->focused event

 scope of time frame

adult<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->children

 reader audience

oracle voice<-------------------------------school boy voice----------------------------------------->fool voice author voice (Yolen 168)

multiple/complex perspectives<---------------------------------------------------->singular/ flat perspective

character perspectives

superhuman<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->non human

characters

historical<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->futuristic

time period

This is by no means a complete or final listing of elements to discuss.  I think it gives a starting point though in discussing fantasy literature specifically.  A continuum allows for a more individualized look at each fantasy literature piece.  It opens debatable discussion about the literature on elements and where specific pieces fall within.

Citations
Kiefer, B. and M. Wilson. Nonfiction literature for children: old assumptions and new directions. Handbook of Research on Children's and Young Adult Literature. Wolf, S. et al. New York. Routledge. 2011. 9780415965064. pp. 290-299.

Egoff, Sheila A. The Matter of fantasy. In Worlds within: children's fantasy from the Middle Ages to today. Chicago. American Library Association. 1988. Ch. 1. pp. 1-20.

Yolen, Jane. Turtles all the way down. In Only connect: readings on children's literature. Egof, Sheila A ed. New York. Oxford University Press. 1996. pp. 164-174.