Novels and stories are an intrinsic part of academic studies and leisure reading. They are used as devices to probe the human condition, its hopes, its dreams, and its ideas. There are many different types of stories ranging from action to fantasy. Fantasy expresses some of humankind's wildest dreams. Magic Kingdom is referred to as a fantasy novel because it incorporates the seven characteristics of fantasy. The three most prevalent characteristics that are expressed in Magic Kingdom are its imaginary elements, presentation of a universal truth, and it contains the element magic.

A fantasy novel would not be complete without some forms of imaginary elements. Imaginary elements are unbelievable things or beings, which cannot exist in reality as we conceive it. Magic Kingdom incorporates some of the more classic imaginary elements such as dragons and witches. There is talking fire-breathing monster that goes by the name of Strabo: "Ben was floored. He had expected a good many things from the dragon, but talking wasn't one of them."(Brooks, 320). Ben meets the dragon Strabo, only to be surprised that Strabo is an intelligent talking dragon. Terry Brooks not only includes such elaborat

The Paladin defeats the Iron Mark, which is a demonstration of how good will always triumph over evil. The good will triumph over evil, from the earliest recorded stories a common theme has been that good will triumph over evil. Another universal truth that is not only expressed in Magic Kingdom, but also in everyday life is love will overcome danger. This is proven when Willow comes to save Ben because the Crag Trolls have incarcerated Ben, "The third key fitted and the chains fell away. Ben stared at the sylph in anger and frustration, and then in despair."(Brooks, 237). Despite the fact that Willow might have been caught and killed, she still risked her life to save Ben. This is an excellent illustration of how love will overcome danger. Love and hate, good and evil are all products of the universal truth used in fantasy novels. Most major events in a fantasy novel occur on account of magic.

The metal visor split wide, and the face within was a nightmare of blood and twisted features. Silver light flared from the body of the Paladin. Once more the mace rose and fell, and the death's head disintegrated. The Iron Mark tumbled to the earth, a shapeless mass of black metal. The Paladin rose slowly and stepped away (Brooks, 366).

Ben stared in disbelief. Where had the dragon come from? Then he caught sight of Questor, arms thrust out of his robes and windmilling madly as the wizard stumbled back. He saw at the same instant that Strabo had only one leg, that the wings were not centered properly on the

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Approximate Word count = 1028
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)