Connecting the Literature of Children and Adult: Socio-Political Commentary in Fantasy Tales like The Little Prince and Animal Farm

Abstract

Genres of fantasy tales, inclusive of allegories, animal fables and fairy tales can provide cutting insight and clarity about the complexities of society and the intricacies of human nature. These fantasy tales may have both literal as well as symbolic meanings. However, the characters here are often animals and plants that can talk and behave like human beings. This genre of storytelling exists in virtually every culture of the world. These stories have elements of fantasy and magic that are appealing to children. However, while the magical elements in traditional fairy tales are used for the purpose of creating delight and suspense in the imaginative minds of children, other types of fantasy tales can typically have a symbolic meaning attached to them. As a result, we find the terms allegories, fables and fairy tales used quite interchangeably while talking about fantasy tales.

Keywords

• fairy tales
• symbols
• magic realism