| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺東大學 === 進修部兒文所碩士班(台北夜間) === 104 ===
This study originated from the researcher’s interest in the elements of space and threshold crossing in fantasy literature. Owing to this interest and after a close reading of fantasy works that contain such elements, the researcher decides to use this thesis study to investigate the spatial properties of fantastic worlds and workings of threshold crossing in fantasy novels. In this study the researcher also examines the game-like elements and qualities that accompany (reading) such fantasy works. The Books of Beginning by John Stephens, The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, and the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke are selected to serve as the source texts for this study.
First, using J. R. R. Tolkien’s theoretical concept of the “secondary world,” this study defines the types and properties of the secondary worlds within the source texts. After this, the study analyzes the properties and significances of those thresholds within the source texts that, to begin with, initiate the protagonists’ journeys into the secondary worlds; meanwhile, the study takes up the position of a game participant and looks into the characters’ crossing experiences between the two worlds (the primary and the secondary worlds). Finally, from a game-design perspective, the study puts forth and compares the game-like attributes of fantastic world space and threshold crossings within the source texts.
After a careful examination of the source texts, the game-like attributes identified include: role-playing, threshold-crossing design, restriction and limitation, imbalance and balance. Other commonalities include changes in the identities and abilities of characters before and after crossing into the secondary worlds and threshold crossing serves as plot-driving checkpoints and catalytic enzymes for characters’ growth. This study also pays special attention to the limitations and balances inherent in the settings of the many secondary worlds that govern character abilities, spatial design, and threshold-crossing.
In conclusion, the researcher believes it is highly necessary for fantasy authors to consider the unique properties of secondary worlds, the ensuing changes or transformations in character identities and abilities, as well as crossing-medium choices and threshold emplotments. To yield intriguing and well-rounded fantasy works, authors ought to also pay attention to the above-stated attributes such as the limitations and balances of secondary world settings, characters’ role-playing and threshold design. Despite that fantasy works which thematize threshold crossing and passage through space are numerous, this study still strives to engage a selected pool of source texts to research into fantasy novels of space passage and threshold crossing in hopes of offering some worthwhile findings to authors, readers and future researchers who are willing to step into the game realm of fantasy worlds.
|
|---|
