Chapter 6: Modern Fantasy

Fantasy takes us beyond the world as we know it, defying the natural laws of physics, to a world where animals can talk, people can perform magic, and other worlds exist (Johnson, 2009). Modern fantasy stories are divided into two categories: low fantasy and high fantasy. Stories that are low fantasy take place in the real world for example Charlotte's Web these are classified as animal fantasy because the animals in the story live in a realistic place, but they are able to speak. Some categories in modern fantasy can be animals, toys and objects, or miniature worlds. High fantasy takes the information and experiences from the real world and projects them into an "other world". High fantasy involves difficult and arduous journeys, supernatural characters who are both benign and malignant, a gathered set of companions who will contribute to the fulfilling of the quest.
Literary Folktales are used to expand upon well-known traditional tales to create full length novels. Literary Folktales are very similar to traditional tales. Science fiction is a type of fantasy in which the author hypothesizes about the future or the nature of the universe based on real scientific concepts. Themes in science fiction resemble that of heroic fantasy, with magic replaces by technology.
There are many benefits to modern fantasy. If modern fantasy is written well fantasy is able to illustrate the truth about life in a way that realistic fiction can't. It is important for children to understand that at the heart of all fantasy lies the truth about ourselves and the world around us.
Using Modern Fantasy in the classroom is a great way for students to broaden their imagination and creativity. Children will learn life lessons through fiction tales and become aware of the truth that lies in the world.