Module 2《Fantasy Literature—Philip Pullman》introduction,reading and voca同步素材1（外研版选修6）

111Module 2 Fantasy LiteraturePhilip PullmanPart Two: Teaching Resources第二部分：教学资源Section 2: Background information for Module 2 Fantasy LiteraturePhilip Pullman1. What is “Fantasy”?Fantasy is a genre of art, literature, film, television, and music that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of either plot, theme, setting, or all three. The genre is generally distinguished from science fiction and horror by overall look, feel, and theme of the individual work, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three (collectively known as speculative fiction). In its broadest sense, fantasy covers works by many writers, artists, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends, to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today. As with other forms of speculative fiction, actions and events in fantasy very often differ from those possible in consensus reality. In many cases, especially in older works of fantasy but in many modern works as well, this is explained by means of divine intervention, magic, or other supernatural forces. In other cases, most frequently in works of modern fantasy in the high fantasy subgenre, the story might take place in a fantasy world that is wholly different from our own, complete with distinct laws of nature that permit magic.2. What is “Fantasy literature”?Fantasy literature is largely regarded as the core medium of the fantasy genre, and includes some of the genres most complex works and innovations, often directly inspiring fantasy art and fantasy music, as well as fantasy film and fantasy television, though the latter two inspire a large amount of fantasy literature themselves.3. About The Lord of the Rings The Lord of the Rings was written in 12 years by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is a single novel consisting of six books plus appendices. The Book tells the tale of Frodo Baggins, a Hobbit who suddenly finds himself faced with an immense task: He must leave his home in The Shire, and make a perilous journey across the realms of Middle-Earth to the Crack of Doom, deep inside the territories of the Dark Lord. There he must destroy the One Ring forever and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.4. Plot Summary for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) Gondor is overrun by the orcs of Mordor, and Gandalf rides to Minas Tirith to aid the humans in the war that is ahead. Aragorn must realize his true identity and purpose as the King of Men, and journey with Gimli and Legolas to summon the Army of the Dead so that the battle against evil can be won. Meanwhile, paranoia and suspicion rises between Frodo, Sam and Gollum as they continue their increasingly dark and dangerous travel to Mount Doom, the one place where The Ring can be destroyed once and for all. (Summary written by Qrrbirbel)111