The short answer is no.

I could stop there but that seems lame, so here’s the not-too-long-because-I-know-you’re-busy answer.

Fantasy Isn’t Merely Escapism

The key word is “merely.” If used in the wrong way, I think fantasy can be an escape from reality, just like drugs or alcohol. But drugs and alcohol are also beneficial if used properly.

The same goes for fantasy.

“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” – Lloyd Alexander

It’s true that people use entertainment to escape from the negative things happening in their lives. However, viewed properly, fantasy isn’t an escape from life. It’s not like plugging in your headphones and letting the music drown out the world.

The word fantasy implies a sort of daydream or happy place where all life’s worries are faded memories and you sit on the beach all day sipping your favorite beverage, or where all your wishes come true, no matter how far-fetched.

While that might be what people associate with fantasy, the actual genre is far from that. Yes you have your fairy tales and happily-ever-afters, but for something with such an innocent title, it’s remarkably penetrating in its depiction of reality.

• Overcoming difficulties
• Dealing with betrayal
• Going on quests that expose the realities of life
• Facing death and its consequences

According to Walt Disney, “Fantasy and reality often overlap.”

Fantasy isn’t distinct and separate from our lives, a nice place where we can zone out that says nothing about the human condition. Some fantasy books may be written that way, but in my experience they always probe into relevant themes.

I suppose for some people fantasy is an escape from reality, an excuse to check their responsibilities and problems at the door. That’s too bad, because it misses the entire point of fantasy.

The Truth in Fantasy

As a cool guy once said:

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” – G. K. Chesterton

I love this quote and I think it perfectly sums up the situation.

Fantasy doesn’t allow us an exit from reality but takes what we know to be true and seeks to recast it in a way not hindered by the blinders of our lives and experiences. By approaching themes and questions from a different perspective, it allows us to look beyond the ordinary and catch glimpses of timeless truths.

People who claim that fantasy is silly and that reading it removes you from the important things of real life don’t understand the nature of fantasy. Either that, or they’re purposefully ignoring the benefits of fantasy.

Why do you read fantasy? Do you think reading fantasy is escapism? I would love to hear your thoughts.