LE3 .A278 2000

2000

Thompson, Hilary

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

English

English & Theatre Studies

The archetype of the Sibyl has historically borne many dualities: good and evil, beauty and monstrosity, divinity and earthliness, paganism and Christianity. It spans many boundaries. This makes it a perfect vehicle for the introduction and fulfillment of George MacDonald's intentions in his fantasy novels the ' Curdie' books, 'Phantastes, At the Back of the North Wind', and his fairy tales, such as "The Golden Key". The Sibyl's characteristics of wisdom and secret knowledge, particularly with regard to moral and divine insight, allow the archetype to act as a medium for the enlightenment of the hero in MacDonald's tales. MacDonald adds to the archetype, fashioning it to suit his purposes more closely. The makes it a vehicle for the transcendence of his young heroes and heroines, both morally and spiritually. In MacDonald's work, the Sibyl's magical and mystical aspects cater to the fantastic. His influence on this genre is considered here. The folk traditions of his native Scotland and his consuming interest in the transcendental writings of the German Romanticists have shaped the archetype, making it a highly specialized figure within his works. Furthermore, the influence of the Romantics requires the development of a new literary mode. Thus, the Sibyl archetype serves the needs of MacDonald's religious, fantastical, and romantic inclinations through which he develops a new literary form of fantasy.

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