Changing Patterns in Works of Fantasy for Children

FAIN: RO-10571-70

University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA 94704-5940)
Donald MacKinnon (Project Director: March 1970 to present)

Works of fantasy written for children from 1850-1910 compared with similar works written since 1930. ABSTRACT: Works of fantasy writen for children from 1850-1910 compared with similar works written since 1930. Will combine statistical analysis and interpretation demonstrating similarities and differences between contemporary and older works with historical perspective of social, psychological and literary factors. Will provide broad, systematic framework and humanistic method for analysis and idea development. Works of fantasy considered similar to Rorschach tests in describing significant relations between ego and inner world. While fantasy reflects social change less than realistic fiction, main archetypal figures (e.g. wizard, magical woman) are response to deficiencies in ego's relation to outer world. Attempt to relate relevance of archetype at given time; and differences in patterning of style and theme to social pressures and cultural conditions of that era may reflect increase in ego vigilance, change in sex roles, increased impersonalization of social life and psychological reactions to massive aggression. Resulting project two papers, one for psychological journal and one for humanists, each development different aspects of study, but both contributing to preparation of book on authors and themes in children's literature. Significant study of social and psychological context of arts and use of literary imagination. May help understand impoverishment of imaginative experience of child in classroom. Funds for salaries, statistician, supplies, computer time for statistical evaluation.