Modern Fantasy

A modern fantasy is a story filled with magic and imagination.  Typically there are worlds and settings that are impossible in reality.  These worlds can only exist in our imaginations.  Use of metaphors are prevalent through modern fantasy, as well.  According to Fuhler and Walther, "modern fantasy is deeply rooted in the world of traditional literature, but it blossoms into tales that are fresh, previously untold or cleverly retold and mastely penned from a known author."  This genre goes hand in hand with the Science Fiction genre. They differ slightly in content only.  

Open Ended Discussion Questions

from Differentiating Reading Instruction by Laura Robb

• What are the settings?  Explain the elements of fantasy that you see in the setting.

• How does the author enable you, the reader, to enter the fantasy world?  Are there realistic elements?  Discuss some of these and how they affect the story.

• How do trips to other times and worlds help the characters cope with the present time?

• Is there a struggle between forces of good and evil?  Who wins?  How do you know?

• What special powers do the characters possess?  How do they use these powers?

• What does the character learn about their self?

• What character traits does the main character have that you see in yourself?

• How do the ideas and themes in this book connect to other fantasy books you've read?

• How has this book changed your thinking?