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The Functions of Fantasy According to Tolkien
Tolkien discusses the three functions of fantasy - recovery, escape, and consolation. He distinguishes escape from escapism, explaining that escape allows individuals to see beyond the confines of their world. He uses the analogy of a prisoner's duty to escape, drawing from his own experiences and the context of the First World War. Fantasy enables individuals to envision possibilities beyond their current circumstances, emphasizing the importance of imagination in shaping desires and understanding life's possibilities.