On the Chinese Fantasy Novel

Author: Zhu Qiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book takes Western children's literature as a reference dimension, adopting the method of close reading from the perspectives of poetics and cultural studies. After providing a detailed and thorough discussion on the historical evolution of Chinese fantasy novels, it conducts a relatively rigorous textual analysis of Chinese fantasy novels, focusing on several key issues such as "the text world," "romantic elements," "ecological awareness," and "cultural characteristics." Fantasy novels have a natural affinity with children. Although, from the perspective of their origin and development, fantasy is not exclusively the domain of children's literature, it is undeniable that it has not only cultivated a large readership among children but has also attracted an increasing number of writers (regardless of whether they are children's literature writers) to create fantasy novels suitable for children to read. This is perhaps not difficult to understand. From the perspective of the fantasy novel text itself, it is also easy to see why it holds a stronger appeal for children. Wonder and magic are everywhere, filled with heroic adventures, dangers that seem insurmountable, rules and order that transcend their boundaries, and the so-called logic, like an old hat, can be worn crookedly or tossed into the wind; laughter is also unique. All of these, though children may not always recognize the reality they represent or metaphorize, are exciting fantasies for them. They always align with children's perceptual and cognitive ways in some way or another.