Allegory and Authorial Intent

Occasionally I'll be sitting and pondering English literature (to little end), when an end will suddenly come, an intrigue: the question of authorial intent. The thoughts will start to flow, and just like that, I'll be the host of an internal debate. The central question of the debate is the following: Should we attempt to...

Allegory in Fantasy: A Discussion

Chances are, you are familiar with the idea of a parable: a simple tale used to demonstrate a spiritual or moral lesson not expressly mentioned in the story. This is prominent in religion, especially in Christianity and Islam. Allegory has a similar definition, but usually applies to the greater scope of poetry and fiction. In...

Tolkien and the Escapism Debate

If you’re a reader of fantasy—or an avid reader of general fiction—you’re likely familiar with the idea of “escapism.” This word, turned about by authors, readers, and critics throughout the decades, is defined by google as “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.”  I...