How does Attebery (1980) define Fantasy? Find at least five definitions.
Within the prescribed text, Attebery defines fantasy in many ways. The primary definition I would say would
have to be "Any narrative which includes as a significant part of it's make-up some violation of what the author clearly believes to be natural law"(Attebery, 1980, p. 1). This definition is quite broad and therefore contains a multitude of different titles. Secondly, it could be argued that Fantasy is a media which invokes wonder by making the impossible seem familiar and the familiar seem new and strange (Attebery, 1980, p. 2). This definition compliments my first definition, as violation of natural law will ultimately see the impossible being familiar. Early Fantasy, or folktale, provides my next definition. Fantasy (Folktale) can be defined as stories, told not as fact but as entertainment (Attebery, 1980, p. 3). Once again, this definition is broad in nature.
Fantasy can also be defined as 'a magic mirror which reflects some aspects of our inner world' (Attebery, 1980 p. 4). This definition also caters to all the other definitions provided. Finally, fantasy is a media form which portrays seemingly impossible elements whilst taking advantage of our curiosity (Attebery, 1980).
Attebery, B. (1980). Locating fantasy. In The Fantasy Tradition in American Literature: From Irving to Le Guinn (pp.2-9). Bloomington: Indiana U P, 1980.
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