A Web of Words: Pattern and Meaning in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time - Paperback

by Heather Anne Attrill (Author)

A characteristic of high fantasy literature of the latter part of the twentieth century has been the writing of multi-volume, complex series. This book uses Robert Jordan's 'The Wheel of Time' sequence to explore the role and purpose of epic-style high fantasy, and that of fans, as storytellers and pattern makers. The book focuses on the mediaeval technique of interlacing as the key structuring device of 'The Wheel of Time' to unlock the intricate patterning of Jordan's narrative. Close readings of Jordan's novels offer answers to key questions: What are the patterns in Jordan's texts? How do they feature in the work? What functions do they serve in the work in regard to narrative, meaning and in relationship to the reader?

Author Biography

Heather Attrill's lifelong interest in Anglo-Saxon and Mediaeval literature and her passionate reading of authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Ursula Le Guin and Robert Jordan, have led her to the study of ancient influences on modern fantasy literature. Born in New Zealand she moved to Australia in her early twenties, living in several cities and towns before settling in Armidale, NSW. Heather completed her PhD at the University of New England, where she has taught in a number of English literature courses. Heather currently lives with her husband and a large black cat in a house she was inspired to buy because it reminded her of the hobbit houses of Tolkien's middle-earth. She is currently working on a YA time-slip fantasy novel of her own.