Roberta Seelinger Trites

A Complete Identity

Arts & Literature

“Rachel Johnson analyzes the works of G. A. Henty and George MacDonald to interrogate the false binary inherent in rigid demarcations that distinguish 'realism' from 'fantasy' in children's literature. She insightfully demonstrates how the fictions of Henty and MacDonald create a dialogue that positions the Victorian hero as both a self-reliant realist and a mythic figure, who is necessarily idealistic in his efforts to uphold the values of Victorian society.”