Characteristics of Fantasy

VocabularyKey Vocabulary/Concept Definition

adages An old, short saying that is generally accepted to have some truth to it. (The early bird gets the worm. Better safe than sorry. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.)

analyzing Looking at the elements and how they fit together.

evidence Facts, figures, details, quotations, or other sources of data and information that provide support for claims or an analysis and that can be evaluated by others.

fantasy Fantasy is fiction that contains unrealistic or unworldly elements, such as magic. It includes modern fantasy (which has a known author) and science fiction.

fiction A narrative that is imagined rather than real.

idioms Words, phrases, or expressions that are either grammatically unusual (Long time, no see!), or their meaning cannot be taken literally (It's raining cats and dogs!).

proverbA short statement of a general truth; one that condenses common experience into memorable form. A proverb is a phrase or saying that gives advice in an obscure way. (Absence makes the heart grow fonder. All that glitters is not gold.)

theme The author's message or lesson in the story.

Connection

• We have read a variety of literary and informational texts this year.

• During this unit, we will focus on exploring a specific type of literary text, the genre of fantasy.

Teaching Point

• Today we will identify the characteristics of fantasy and analyze a story to determine if it is a good example of this genre.

Characteristics of Fantasy• Now that we have our categories, let’s review how these help

us to understand the characteristics of fantasy.• Fantasy is fiction that contains unrealistic or unworldly events

(e.g., magic)• Time and setting: Fantasies may be set in the past, present, or

distant future. The place where the story occurs may be enchanted.

• Characters: Fantasies may include people or animals with magical or supernatural powers. Sometimes the characters represent stereotypes of good and evil.

• Theme: Fantasies usually communicate some universal truths, so that by reading about the fantastic world, readers gain insight into their own life and world.

• Humor: Fantasies are often humorous or entertaining.

• Many fantasies follow an event structure where something is wrong in the fabric of the universe, or the world is out of order.

• The main character(s)’ role is usually to help establish new order.

• In addition, authors of fantasies often use the viewpoint of a main character as our guide in the story.

• We, the readers, learn about the world situation bit by bit as the character discovers what is happening.

Link

• Today we learned the characteristics of the genre fantasy.

• As you read stories in this genre, think about whether or not it is a good example of the genre by looking for examples or evidence in the text that matches the characteristics noted.