Abstract

Epic fantasy as a genre has often been neglected due to its perceived conservative roots that clash with critical reading practices. This paper proposes that a postsecular lens may be more suitable to the critical study of epic fantasy and examines perhaps the most popular contemporary epic fantasy, Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive, through a postsecular lens, First, the paper examines how the Stormlight Archive combines the premodern, fantastical worldview with modern and post-modern concerns to reinvigorate its exploration of the religious "big questions" through a renewed focus on the spiritual nature of the individual. Next, it examines how Sanderson presents a cultural landscape of religious pluralism that treats religion on its own terms rather than as a mere opposite to secularism. Finally, it shows how Sanderson portrays secularism as a worldview rather than a neutral way of thinking, revealing its weaknesses and showing a postsecular way of harmonizing reason and faith.

Degree

College and Department

Humanities; English

Rights

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