ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns itself with definitions of fantasy, and with the historical forces which affected its popularity and caused its functions to change. It also discusses Literature of illusion, which is generally known as escape literature. Literature of disillusion insists that reality is unknowable. The chapter then explores about Literature of vision, that invites us to experience a new sense of reality, a new interpretation that often seems more varied and intense than our own. Whereas literature of vision offers us a new reality for consideration, literature of revision lays out plans for revising reality, for shaping futures. The chapter further deals on an ad hoc basis with the shifts in assumptions about reality which have taken place during the past 2500 years. Finally, the chapter discusses both fantastic and mimetic works in order to show what contributions are peculiar to fantasy.
