Intrusion Fantasy as a Cathartic Tool in Patrick Ness A Monster Calls

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Shaima' F. Hassan

Abstract

Since its publication in 2011, A Monster Calls has attracted the attention of scholars in various ways. The novel is classified as a low fantasy or intrusion fantasy. Previous studies attempted psychoanalytical reading; other studies took stylistic investigation and the rest were thematic. This study analyzes the connection between fantasy and reality and how the supernatural intrudes into the real life of the child hero, Conor. It examines the four stories and how they trespass the main plot in a magical way to save Conor from his nightmares and sufferings. This study attempts to investigate the use of intrusion fantasy as a cathartic tool which is manipulated to help Conor to overcome his bereavement and prepare him to accept his mother’s terminal illness. The paper argues that the intrusion fantasy has a purgatory effect that transformed Conor’s personality from denier into a resilient one. The study also traces Conor’s cathartic journey to achieve internal peace and settlement. In the analysis, the researcher looks at the cathartic effect not from Aristotelian point of view, but from a psychological point of view. The analysis will also shed light on Conor’s psyche and how he becomes mentally purged and gains peace of mind.

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How to Cite
Hassan, S. F. (2022) “Intrusion Fantasy as a Cathartic Tool in Patrick Ness A Monster Calls ”, Koya University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(1), pp. 21-28. doi: 10.14500/kujhss.v5n1y2022.pp21-28.
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Author Biography

Shaima' F. Hassan, Department of English Language, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Koya University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Shaymaa F. Hasan, is an academic staff at the Department of English Language, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Koya University in Kurdistan Region, Iraq. She Joined Koya University in September 2005 as a lecturer in English Short Story and Novel.  She holds a BA in English Language and Literature, University of Baghdad (2001) and an MA in American Short Story (2004), University of Baghdad, Iraq. She got she's Ph.D. in Modern English and American Novel (2013), Koya University, Kurdistan. She’s research and teaching interests are in English and American Novel, Short Story, Renaissance Drama, Modern Drama and Feminism. She teaches Renaissance and English Novel for Undergraduates. She teaches Modern Drama for Post Graduates. 

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