Unique Yet Familiar

Blog Fantasy
Post 19 - The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Comparison of The Golden Compass to the First to Books of the Lord of the Rings:

In the book titled, The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman, the protagonist, Laura, lives in a world that is full of strange things. This is similar to the world that is portrayed in The Lord of the Rings (Middle Earth). The world of The Golden Compass embodies many characteristics of Middle Earth such as: magic, mystery, and shear vastness. Also, Frodo, the protagonist in, The Fellowship of the Ring, by JRR Tolkien, is similar to Laura in many senses. First, both Frodo and Laura are considered young in their society. Second, both Frodo and Laura start off with the average, everyday life style. Finally both protagonists enter into a journey that will not only change the fate of the world, but will forever change their own lives. Both worlds are very Unique in their own ways.

Why is one drawn to Fantasy Worlds? What properties or qualities do these worlds posses that make them so captivating to one?'

Perhaps, one of the properties that Fantasy Worlds posses that make them so appealing is the idea that Fantasy Worlds are Unique Yet Familiar. The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman, seems to take place at around the early to mid 1800s. Although this information is not explicitly stated, one can infer this conclusion from the lack of technology (lamp light projector), speech patterns (somewhat old English), and clothing worn (old fashioned dresses and suites) described throughout the book. This sense of familiarization is captivating because it allows the reader to able to understand and comprehend the story even further.

A Fantasy World that has Unique Yet Familiar components, therefore, is an unmistakably captivating world.