Fantasy as Resistance

Connecting Gramsci’s Notion of Hegemony and Fantasy Narrative of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Authors

  • Adham Adyatma Universitas Gadjah Mada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21154/eltall.v7i1.13222

Keywords:

Narnia, Fantasy, Narrative, Hegemony

Abstract

Reading activity through fiction has been a way to create pleasure. One of the most popular forms of fiction is the fantasy genre. Fantasy creates an alternative reality that differs from everyday life. C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia is an early work of fantasy literature. Lewis wrote the story not only to create an alternative world but also to convey values related to social and religious issues. One social issue presented in the novel is similar to Gramsci’s notion of hegemony. The story unfolds the struggle against the White Witch, an evil ruler who maintains her status quo by declaring herself the ruler of Narnia. Resistance emerges through the appearance of the Pevensie siblings. Previous studies have not specifically examined the connection between fantasy themes and the hegemony portrayed by the White Witch’s regime. This paper aims to fill that gap by exploring the relationship between fantasy conventions and Gramsci’s notion of hegemony in the narrative of the first book of The Chronicles of Narnia series. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study categorizes, analyzes, and explains the connection between Narnia’s fantasy themes and hegemony through close reading. The findings reveal that the fantasy narrative is closely related to the notion of hegemony. Fantasy conventions function as a form of resistance against the White Witch’s domination and claim to legitimate authority. This resistance culminates in her downfall and the rise of the Pevensie siblings as the rightful rulers of Narnia.

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References

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Adham Adyatma

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