Authors’ names:
Irina S. Razina, Svetlana N. Averkina – Linguistics University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Abstract:
The article examines the work of the famous German fantasy writer Cornelia Funke, focusing on her “Reckless” series. The study proves that, by retelling and reinterpreting familiar fairy tale scenarios, Funke strives to depict contemporary reality truthfully, as well as to create unique artistic and narrative imagery. Her texts, aimed at a teenage readership, explain in an allegorical form the events taking place in the modern world. In the series in question, the motif of duality and opposition takes a leading role, illustrating both complex political processes and the maturing heroes’ search for their identity; at the same time, the author deliberately avoids the black-and-white narrative typical of much fantasy writing. This motif also expresses Funke’s vision of history and literature as inevitable formation of the present through the past. Funke comments on complex political processes in a language understandable to young people. It is concluded that Funke’s texts are imbued with deep humanism and teach young readers to look at the world through the prism of philanthropy. A deeply realistic vision of reality and a strong, but unobtrusively presented didactic message can be clearly discerned behind the imaginative plots of her fiction.
| Section | ARTISTIC TEXT AT THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURES |
| DOI: | 10.47388/2072-3490/lunn2024-68-4-152-165 |
| Downloads | 77 |
| Key words | Cornelia Funke; fantasy; book series; children’s literature; political discourse |