What purpose does fantasy literature serve?

[Neb]

Originally posted by Lord Shield: quote: Originally posted by Neb: FF, I doubt that anyone would bother to write their worst nightmares and then publish them [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Hellraiser, Friday 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and the Teletubbies - I rest my case [img]tongue.gif[/img] [/QUOTE]True, true, Teletubbies IS something spawned in Hell. Hm, now that I think about it.... Maybe they DID make something about you.... I always suspected those damn things of hiding tentacles behind their backs [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Sir Mandorallen]

I find that reading fantasy, (or any other type of book I like) allows me to escape the troubles of the world around me, and enter an enteraining world.

I think what everyone else said pretty much sums it all up.

Its fun, and we like it. Why do we need to explain further??

personally I prefer sci-fi to fantasy. not so long ago I restarted reading my Edgar ERice Burroughs "John Carter of Mars" books

if you plan to read the Space Odyssey series btw, I recommend skipping 2061 - it was utter pants and didn't contribute squit to the series IMO

[K T Ong]

Sorry, Lord Shield, I like to ask loaded questions.

I think good fantasy can actually be a great source of inspiration for art and profound thought. There are some works of fantasy I've read (including a Chinese one which is real thick ) which contain such fascinating ideas and employ such beautiful and visually rich language, they really set your imagination on fire, and being myself an artist I have to say they provide tons of ideas in this respect. They can also provoke a great deal of thought by challenging your views and beliefs regarding many things -- though I'd grant that this is truer of science fiction than fantasy. (Is there a clear distinction between the two genres, though?)

Speaking of science fiction, Ray Bradbury's one of my favorites -- especially his Martian Chronicles (a.k.a. The Silver Locusts). This one really examines some serious questions about the merits of space exploration. Also like Brian Aldiss' Helliconia Trilogy. The idea of a planet where each season (as in spring, summer etc) spans 600 years is just so captivating. [img]smile.gif[/img] Ah, well, just my [img]graemlins/twocents.gif[/img] .

Wonder what Dramnek's response will be to this thread. I know -- he'll say that fantasy must serve the people, or it's just bourgeoise rubbish. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

[ 07-26-2002, 01:18 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]

[K T Ong]

Originally posted by Neb: True, true, Teletubbies IS something spawned in Hell.

If Teletubbies is spawned in Hell, then the Powerpuff Girls is spawned in absolutely the deepest, darkest circle of Hell. With Pokemon a close second.

[ 07-26-2002, 01:39 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]

[Lioness]

What purpose does anything serve? *shrugs* I like fantasy, it's that simple. [img]tongue.gif[/img] Entertainment, enjoyment...

Originally posted by K T Ong: Speaking of science fiction, Ray Bradbury's one of my favorites -- especially his Martian Chronicles (a.k.a. The Silver Locusts). This one really examines some serious questions about the merits of space exploration. Also like Brian Aldiss' Helliconia Trilogy. The idea of a planet where each season (as in spring, summer etc) spans 600 years is just so captivating. [img]smile.gif[/img] Ah, well, just my [img]graemlins/twocents.gif[/img] .

Ray Bradbury is excellent. I still prefer Edgar to him though, and Isaac Aasimov had some good stuff too. Did you ever see the TV adaptation of Martian Chronicles?

My favourite quote (though I forget the exact text) from MC was:

"I've been given half of this planet. What is half of nothing worth?"

[Neb]

Originally posted by K T Ong: quote: Originally posted by Neb: True, true, Teletubbies IS something spawned in Hell.

If Teletubbies is spawned in Hell, then the Powerpuff Girls is spawned in absolutely the deepest, darkest circle of Hell. With Pokemon a close second.[/QUOTE]Hey, the Powerpuff Girls aren't THAT bad [img]tongue.gif[/img] Not all of the time, anyway, Pukémon MUST be destroyed, though.

[Jerome]

Originally posted by Lioness: *shrugs* I like fantasy, it's that simple. [img]tongue.gif[/img] Entertainment, enjoyment...

*Ach*! I say, and *Ach*! again! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[adam warlock]

it helps heighten our imagination!