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I think it's threefold. I'm sure there are more advantages, perhaps you'll point some out in the comments. But for me, these rise to the top of the list:
- Escape. Let's face it, life can be boring sometimes. I've always preferred to fly around as a superhero, or disappear into an enchanted forest full of unicorns (in my head of course) than do let's say... homework. Not that I didn't do my fair share. But if I had the choice with no consequences? No contest. Who doesn't want to be the hero?
- Safety of Symbolism. I don't like preachy books. Sorry. I don't want to be told what to do or think, no matter what the source. I prefer intelligent discussion and thought provoking ideas. So when a book showcases a very real issue or situation and explores some of the finer implications in an honest way, I'm hooked. And fantasy let's us explore these themes in relative safety by changing the setting and characters to something unfamiliar and therefore less threatening or obvious.
- Playground for the Imagination. Yes any story builds a new world, but where else can the sky be purple and the butterflies poisonous? Hey that's kind of cool... *runs to write it down* The possibilities are truly endless.
Everyone's taste is different, which is why it's so wonderful to have choices. Sometimes it's too hard to suspend disbelief. But I believe there is some fantasy out there for almost everyone. Many have read Harry Potter who claim to not like fantasy at all. What do you think? Do you see any additional advantages of fantasy as a medium? What about disadvantages? Share!
I've been surprised by how many different types of books I like. For me, it's not about the genre though. It's about the writing and the voice and usually the character arc, esp. in fantasy. :)
ReplyDeleteThere's this quote where George Martin talks about why he loves fantasy. It's beautiful. Let me see if I can find it...
ReplyDeleteHere you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hJhmxc3Arw
Fantasy is always great for an escape but I've found that there are only so many witch/warlock/orc reads before it grows tiresome. Sadly even urban fantasy has started to stagnate. I love the escapism of a great fantasy story, the symbolism that is well-masked and hidden subtleties. Fantasy will always have a place but only when it isn't the mundane. Amusing how we've grown accustomed to escapism elements to the point that it is repetitive/mundane.
ReplyDeleteYour point about lessons being more easily digested if they're conveyed in fantasy is a really interesting one. I agree! Once I'm "into" a fantasy book, there's nothing like it for escape. My only issue is that I don't always have the patience to learn the layout of the world, the rules, the different magical things each character can do, etc. It takes some work, and I need to be in the mood for it.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that photo. Amazing! I'm like Laura. I read many different genres and like them for different reasons. Fantasy is great, and I like books not necessarily labeled fantasy which have fantastical elements sprinkled in. It's fun and a means of escape.
ReplyDeleteGood points! I personally prefer paranormal and urban fantasy because it's grounded in the real world as well, but I do enjoy high fantasy too. And OF COURSE it has to be well done. That goes without saying. But as a genre as a whole...
ReplyDeleteI've never been a huge fantasy fan for some reason. The books I love to read are mostly about real people in real situations. I can see why you love fantasy though, and you write it so well.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I love most about fantasy is the escape. Wait maybe it is the imagination... okay I love everything about fantasy. Fantasy helps me believe in the impossible. Not because I think it is actually real - but because if some that can use magic still has problems and still overcomes them -with than I can
ReplyDelete@Matthew MacNish I love that quote :)
ReplyDeleteFor me it depends on the fantasy. I tend not to be a huge fan of "adult" fantasy because it does tend to get bogged down in the new rules of the new world with new types of people. I don't want to have to write down definitions of things so I'll understand them later in the 3000 pg book. But I do love teen fantasy. it tends to be more forgiving. And I read it for the escapism and the slight obsession I have with magic :)
Fantasy will always be something bigger than life for me. I don't want to go all elitist and 'it's the bestest ever by every standard' but I kind of want to say it, even though I do know it isn't true. :) Still, fantasy is awesome.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! If the story is strong and I care about the characters, I'll read whatever.
ReplyDeleteI asked my 11 year old daughter why she likes fantasy so much, and she said "Because what's happening to the characters is always more interesting than my math homework or brushing my teeth."
ReplyDeleteLike, duh.
I love getting lost in worlds created by fantasists such as Patricia McKinley, but I'm liking more historical fiction, too.
ReplyDeleteI love fantasy too and for the same reasons, but I thought you put it very well is that fantasy as a medium avoids the preachiness that can often sneak into literature, even though cloaked in symbols and showing not telling.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Margo. I love fantasy. I just can't write it and I don't know why. I leave the "fantastic" books to you and others who can do the job right.
ReplyDeleteI tend to prefer horror (which I perceive as a kind of fantasy), but the reasons are those you touch on here! I love looking at a world very similar to the one we live in but tweaked just enough to make it creepy. In that way, I'm given an opportunity to experience emotions otherwise outside the realm of my waking life. (As my last post demonstrates, different rules apply to my sleeping life. I think for serious you will understand where I am coming from! Also, I am having a very hard time thinking at all today. WTB: alcohol undo+sleep.)
ReplyDeleteI love fantasy too! I've always loved the what if aspect of it (and sci fi too). If life is particularly hard, my comfort books are romance and fantasy - books that take me to wonderful places!
ReplyDeletefantasy let's us explore these themes in relative safety This is something I've always loved about speculative fiction in general (which is both SF&F). I'm such a geeky intellectual, but really exploring some of those theme requires a different setting in order to strip away your biases and really see the meaning behind it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! :)
Because it's fun!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to escape into a world where there are characters I admire and can cheer on.
It's fun to be surprised.
It's fun to go on a journey, be it emotional or geographical.
I read for pleasure and I'm proud of it.
I read a lot of different genres, but I am definitely drawn toward fantasy, and I think it's for pretty much the same reasons you mention. I also prefer to write fantasy, because I'd rather make up my own rules :)
ReplyDeleteI love the "anything can happen" aspect of fantasy. I also love the good vs. evil eternal battle.
ReplyDeleteFantasy will always be my greatest love in fiction. It expands the mind and opens up endless possibilities. And I totally agree, that butterfly thing is a brilliant idea...
ReplyDeleteI tend to have trouble reading anything other than fantasy and the occational sci-fi. And I tend to prefer either fantasy for kids or older fantasy for adults. I can't put my finger on why, but most of the modern adult fantasy books don't interest me as much.
ReplyDeleteHey, lookie. That's me in the morning when I get up. ROFL. :D
ReplyDeleteI love all kinds of YA genres. It just depends on my mood. I couldn't survive if I just read one or two. But there are definitely some subgenres of fantasy that I love more than others.
I looooooooove fantasy! It's definitely the playground aspect for me. I love to play around with impossible ideas!
ReplyDeleteFantasy worlds are the big draw. If you're going to escape, why go to New York? Get out there and enjoy the ride.
ReplyDelete