Wainscot (fiction)

Wainscot is an academic term used in English literature studies, first coined by "The Encyclopedia of Fantasy" in 1997. [cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-107896944.html| title= Wizards and wainscots: generic structures and genre themes in the Harry Potter series (Critical Essay) summary| publisher=Mythlore| accessdate=2008-09-30]

The term is applied loosely to fantasy fiction which involve societies that are concealed ("hidden in the wainscotting") and secretly working in the real world. These societies typically have a special insight into the mechanics of the world, such as an understanding of magical forces or knowledge of supernatural beings. Wainscot societies may seek to hide this information from outsiders, or they may be disbelieved due to ignorance, conspiracies, or consensus reality.

A significant feature of wainscot fiction is that it does not take place in fantasy realms only accessible via some kind of magical portal (e.g. Narnia). Wainscot stories involve hidden parts of the familiar, mundane world. In horror-tinged works of fantasy, such as H. P. Lovecraft's universe or the Buffyverse, the majority's ignorance of the true horrors of their world may seem like a blessing.

SomeWho|date=October 2008 have suggested the term "wainscot" can be applied to works that are not strictly fantasy, such as "Men in Black", "Spy Kids", "Transformers", or "The Matrix" series.

Examples

* "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
* "The Borrowers" by Mary Norton
* "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman (Gaiman's works often make use of wainscotting)
* "Little, Big" by John Crowley
* Most of the work of Tim Powers

ee also

* Modern fantasy
* Secret history

References

*1. [http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-107896944.html Le Lievre, Kerrie Anne. "Wizards and wainscots: generic structures and genre themes in the Harry Potter series". Mythlore, June 22, 2003.]