Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj ,Iran
3
PhD Assistant Professor, Department of English Language, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran.
Abstract
The use of fantasy in children's literature is essential for engaging a child's imagination and fostering critical thinking skills. It allows young readers to deepen their understanding of the real world while exploring imaginative elements like magic and talking animals. Considering the complexity of certain fantasy concepts, authors aim to present these ideas in a way that is accessible, effectively guiding the implicit child reader hidden within the narrative. This study examines the components of the implied reader and their role in understanding fantasy concepts within two short stories: Dohol and Lagan (The Drum and the Basin) by Houshang Moradi Kermani and The Laughing Flower Girl (Dokhtar-e Gol-e Khandan) by Mohammad Reza Shams. The research seeks to identify the presence of an implied child reader and how this reader facilitates the interpretation of fantasy elements. The findings indicate significant differences between the two stories. Dohol va Lagan incorporates an implied child reader, features high levels of fantasy, utilizes a straightforward narrative, presents relatable characters, and includes external conflicts and messages that are easily understood by children, thus highlighting the element of advocacy. In contrast, Dokhtar-e Gol-e Khandan does not contain an implied child reader, presents lower levels of fantasy, employs a more complex narrative and characterization, and demonstrates a weaker use of advocacy and narrative gaps.
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