George MacDonald's fairy tales in the Scottish Romantic tradition
Abstract
George MacDonald (1824-1905) is one of the most complex and significant Scottish
writers of the nineteenth century, especially as a writer of children’s fiction and literary
fairy tales. His works, however, have seldom been studied as Scottish literature. This
dissertation is the first full-length analysis of his writings for children in their Scottish
context, focusing particularly on his use of Scottish folklore in his literary fairy tales.
MacDonald wrote in the Scottish Romantic tradition of Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and
James Hogg; by close reading his works alongside similar texts by his compatriots, such
as Andrew Lang, MacDonald’s own idiosyncratic contribution to that tradition becomes
more apparent. His profound knowledge of and appreciation for Christian mysticism is
in evidence throughout his work; his use of folklore was directly informed by his
exploration of mystical ideas. Hogg is recast as a second Dante, and ‘bogey tales’
become catalysts for spiritual awakening. MacDonald’s fairy tales deal sensitively and
profoundly with the theme of child death, a tragedy that held personal significance for
him, and can thus be read as his attempt to come to terms with the reality of
bereavement by using Scottish folklore to explain it in mystical terms. Traditional
figures such as Thomas Rhymer, visionary poets, and doubles appear in his fairy tales as
guides and pilgrims out of the material world toward mystical union with the Divine.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Rights
Embargo Date: 2020-08-08
Embargo Reason: Thesis restricted in accordance with University regulations. Electronic copy restricted until 8th August 2020
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