Defending My Stance on Literature

What was I defending?

Against all odds, I took a stand.

This Honors contract began not as a neutral exploration but as a defense, an argument that fantasy fiction is more than escapism. In ENG-W206: Introduction to Creative Writing, I faced the challenge of defending my belief that fantasy can be literary art, capable of conveying deep truth and meaning. My professor, an award-winning author with far more experience and recognition in the field, respectfully disagreed.

But I chose not to back down.

Through academic research and original storytelling, I built a case: that fantasy, when used with intention, can challenge ideas, mirror reality, and illuminate the human condition. This section showcases the two-part project that followed, one part literary analysis, one part creative application. It’s the story of how I blended research and imagination to uphold a conviction, sharpen my craft, and prove that fantasy can, in fact, be serious literature.

How did I defend myself?

The project unfolded in two parts:

Research Phase:
- I wrote a 10–12 page paper exploring how fantasy elements, like magic, mythical creatures, and alternate worlds, function in modern literary fiction. I compared what I called “scholarly” fantasy with fanfiction-style fantasy, drawing from 7–10 scholarly sources and a range of primary texts. This work pushed me to think critically about genre boundaries, symbolism, and the evolving literary canon.
Creative Phase:
- I then applied these insights by writing an original fantasy story that intentionally incorporated the literary techniques explored in my research. The goal was not just to entertain, but to tell a story with depth and symbolic resonance. I practiced word economy, refined my narrative voice, and focused on subtle, meaningful world-building, ensuring that every element served a purpose.

Together, these phases required a rare blend of persistence, critical reflection, and imaginative risk-taking. I had to move fluidly between theoretical analysis and artistic expression, allowing research to inform my storytelling without restricting its creativity.

By the end of the project, I had not only deepened my understanding of literature but also honed essential skills in:

Research
Narrative craftsmanship
Thoughtful, impactful communication

This project didn’t just meet the requirements of an Honors contract, it sharpened my voice as a writer and equipped me with tools I’ll carry into graduate study and beyond.

The Literary Techniques Found in Fantasy Research Paper

Honors Contract Final Draft.docx

This research paper explores how fantasy elements serve as literary devices in mainstream fiction. By contrasting fanfiction fantasy with “scholarly” fantasy, the paper demonstrates how imaginative elements both captivate readers and reveal deeper themes.

Employing Fantasy Literary Techniques in an Original Story

Genre Draft #3 Final.docx

This narrative was crafted as the creative response to my honors research, using fantasy elements as both metaphor and literary device. The story reflects a journey of discovery and transformation.

What did I learn?

This honors project was transformative in more ways than one. By diving into the world of fantasy literature through research and creative experimentation, I not only expanded my understanding of literary techniques but also honed my communication and innovation skills. Writing Going Home allowed me to practice word economy and develop a nuanced narrative that intertwined scholarly insight with imaginative storytelling.

Through this project, I learned how to:

Integrate Research with Creativity
- My research paper examined the current scholarly conversation surrounding what is considered "literary" versus "genre" fiction. I challenged the assumption that fantasy is inherently less serious or meaningful than literary fiction. Drawing on authors like Tolkien, Lewis, and Orwell, I argued that fantasy can, and should, be used as a vehicle for exploring complex, real-world themes. This research helped shape the intent and structure of my story, which uses fantasy elements not as spectacle but as literary devices with deeper meaning.
Employ Literary Devices Effectively
- - Allegory: The city in Going Home is not just a setting but a symbol for spiritual blindness, comfort-driven conformity, and deceptive appearances.
  - Symbolism: The toffee represents temptations or compromises that seem harmless but have lasting consequences. The bloodstains and the cleansing river symbolize guilt and redemption.
  - Worldbuilding as Metaphor: Rather than using tropes for their own sake, I crafted a city and surrounding landscape that mirror the inner condition of the characters. The distorted city becomes an externalization of Neander’s moral confusion.
  - Character Archetypes: Teller, a character in my story, is written as a Christ-figure, drawing on biblical and mythological themes to guide the protagonist to freedom and renewal.
- Refine My Narrative Voice
  - The process challenged me to use language that was both precise and evocative. I had to balance immersive, descriptive prose with clarity, making sure that the fantasy elements did not obscure the message but enhanced it. I also practiced restraint, ensuring that the story’s meaning emerged through action and imagery rather than direct explanation.

This project pushed me to move beyond writing for entertainment alone. Instead, I embraced fantasy as a powerful tool for illuminating truth. I discovered how fantasy can “re-engineer” abstract ideas like salvation, sin, and freedom into vivid, tangible forms.

Ultimately, this project has prepared me for future roles where effective communication, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving are essential. I believe that the ability to merge rigorous research with creative expression is a powerful skill, one that will continue to benefit me in graduate studies and beyond.

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