Magic and Reality in Fantasy Literature

Abstract

This thesis delves into the world of fantasy literature, focusing on Susanna Clark’s Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2004) and Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus (2011). Drawing from Farah Mendlesohn’s categorization of fantasy literature in her book Rhetorics of Fantasy (2008), the study explores the five different categorizations: portal quest fantasy, liminal fantasy, immersive fantasy, intrusion fantasy and irregulars. Through a detailed analysis of Mendlesohn’s framework, this thesis examines how these categories manifest in the selected novels. This thesis also focuses on the portrayal of magic, the roles of magicians, the intersection of reality and enchantment, and the narrative techniques found in the novels highlight the captivating nature of the respective fantastical realms. Furthermore, this thesis explores the educational potential of these novels, proposing that they stimulate intercultural competence and critical thinking among students. By challenging conventional narrative structures, Clark and Morgenstern’s novels foster imaginative exploration and reflection.