Date of Award
Spring 2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Department
English Language and Literatures
Director of Thesis
Anthony Jarrells
First Reader
Holly Crocker
Second Reader
Holly Crocker
Abstract
George MacDonald's 1858 novel Phantastes is one of the first fantasy novels written for adults, but it has received little attention in part because of its confusing structure. I argue that Phantastes is best understood as a Bildungsroman, a novel of formation. While the Bildungsroman is usually a realist novel of commercial society, Phantastes’ fantasy elements allow the protagonist to grow up into a spiritual reality that contrasts with many commercial values. MacDonald uses the fantasy genre to show his protagonist's inner development as he learns humility, gains feminine and childlike virtues, and leaves behind the old self
First Page
1
Last Page
35
Recommended Citation
O'Malley, Hannah, "George MacDonald's Phantastes as a Bildungsroman of Spiritual Reality" (2022). Senior Theses. 521.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/senior_theses/521
Rights
© 2022, Hannah O'Malley