Analysis of “Through the Dragon Glass” by Laurence Manning

Laurence Manning’s “Through the Dragon Glass” is a classic example of mid-twentieth century American fantasy. The story is set in a world where magic is real and dragons exist. The protagonist, a young man named Hal, is transported to this world through a magical portal. He quickly learns that he must use his newfound powers to save the world from a malevolent dragon.

The story is full of the elements that are characteristic of mid-twentieth century American fantasy:

• A strong protagonist: Hal is a brave and resourceful hero. He is also kind and compassionate.
• A magical world: The world of “Through the Dragon Glass” is a place of wonder and magic. It is also a place of danger, but Hal is determined to overcome these challenges.
• A battle between good and evil: Hal must use his powers to defeat the malevolent dragon and save the world. This represents the classic battle between good and evil that is found in many fantasy stories.
• A sense of hope: Despite the challenges that Hal faces, he never gives up hope. He believes that he can save the world and defeat the dragon.

In addition to these general elements, “Through the Dragon Glass” also reflects some of the specific characteristics of mid-twentieth century American fantasy. For example, the story was written during the Cold War, and this is reflected in the conflict between Hal and the dragon. The dragon can be seen as a symbol of the Soviet Union, and Hal’s victory over the dragon can be seen as a symbolic victory of the United States over the Soviet Union.

Another characteristic of mid-twentieth century American fantasy is its focus on science and technology. This is reflected in the story’s use of the dragon glass, which is a magical device that allows Hal to travel to the other world. The dragon glass can be seen as a symbol of the technological advancement of the United States.

Overall, “Through the Dragon Glass” is a classic example of mid-twentieth century American fantasy. The story has all of the elements that are characteristic of this genre, including a strong protagonist, a magical world, a battle between good and evil, and a sense of hope. The story also reflects some of the specific characteristics of mid-twentieth century American fantasy, such as its focus on the Cold War and science and technology.

Specific Examples from the Text

Here are some specific examples from the text that demonstrate the characteristics of mid-twentieth century American fantasy:

• Strong protagonist: Hal is a brave and resourceful hero. He is also kind and compassionate. For example, when he first meets the beautiful princess Anya, he is not immediately smitten. Instead, he is concerned about her well-being and wants to help her.
• Magical world: The world of “Through the Dragon Glass” is a place of wonder and magic. It is also a place of danger, but Hal is determined to overcome these challenges. For example, when Hal first arrives in the other world, he is transported to a magical forest. He is immediately amazed by the beauty of the forest and the creatures that live there.
• Battle between good and evil: Hal must use his powers to defeat the malevolent dragon and save the world. This represents the classic battle between good and evil that is found in many fantasy stories. For example, the dragon is described as being “a creature of pure evil.” Hal knows that he must defeat the dragon in order to save the world.
• Sense of hope: Despite the challenges that Hal faces, he never gives up hope. He believes that he can save the world and defeat the dragon. For example, even when Hal is captured by the dragon, he never gives up hope. He knows that he must find a way to escape and defeat the dragon.

Mid-Twentieth Century American Fantasy

Mid-twentieth century American fantasy is a genre of literature that emerged during the Cold War. This genre is characterized by its focus on science and technology, its battle between good and evil, and its sense of hope. Many of the stories in this genre were written by authors who had served in World War II, and their experiences in the war influenced their writing.

Some of the most popular mid-twentieth century American fantasy authors include J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Their stories have inspired generations of readers and continue to be popular today.

Conclusion

“Through the Dragon Glass” is a classic example of mid-twentieth century American fantasy. The story has all of the elements that are characteristic of this genre, including a strong protagonist, a magical world, a battle between good and evil, and a sense of hope. The story also reflects some of the specific characteristics of mid-twentieth century American fantasy, such as its focus on the Cold War and science and technology.