Ylani Roth

Unit of Study

Dr. Warner

The Man Who Was Magic: Finding the Journey through Fantasy

Rationale:

The focus piece of work for this unit is The Man Who Was Magic by Paul Gallico. This is the story of Adam a magician, innocent and kind to a fault, and his companion, a scruffy talking dog named Mopsy, who is more wise to the world than his master, and their journey to attend the annual convention at Mageia, the city of the world's greatest stage magicians, and be accepted into their society as an apprentice to better his own magic. Within the city he meets up with Jane, the unappreciated daughter of The Great Robert, the mayor of Mageia. Jane, although the daughter of the greatest stage magician in the world, has very little talent herself. Adam befriends Jane; together they set out to make Adam one of the select chosen to join the magician's guild. During their journey, they learn much about each other and more about themselves. Jane, although still a child, is very jaded and cynical towards the world; growing up in a city that is fake and based on lies has made her lose her childhood innocence. With Adam's help, she learns about "Me Magic," and regains some of her innocence while Adam learns that his magic, "only the very simplest... just magic, the ordinary kind" (Gallico 3), is quite different from everyone else's. His, however, is real while the great magicians he set out to learn from are just fake conjurors who dress up their tricks with smoke and mirrors.

As outlined in chapter 7 of Literature for Today's Young Adults, Gallico's story is a perfect example of quest/journey fantasy. Adam sets out on a quest to become better than he is and in the process overcomes the obstacles of disbelief‑ from Jane, and fear and malicious intent‑ from the city citizens. At the end, Adam realizes what he gets out of his journey isn't what he originally set out for, but what he gains from the experience ‑the knowledge that he knows all he needs to about magic and that his is the true and real kind ‑ is more important and greater than anything the other magicians could have taught him. Adam remains innocent throughout the story, and even at the end, he still believes that the people of Mageia are generally good. Jane's journey was not planned; in fact, she only set out upon it after meeting Adam. Jane's quest is to find herself and her own strength and overcome the obstacles that bar her way: her family and her own self‑doubt. She realizes that she has everything she ever needs to be great right there inside of her; all she has to do is take it and use it.

Journeys and quests are very important lessons for young adults because while growing up, they all have tasks they must complete. The journeys they go on to complete the task help them grow as a person. The poems, movies, and books in this lesson are all targeted on a journey, be it physical or metaphysical, that the characters must take in order to find a truth or learn a lesson. In the process, the characters learn something great about themselves. The poem "The Road Goes Ever On" by J.R.R. Tolkien illustrates the importance of the journey and the inevitability of everyone taking one at one time or another.

Objective

1. To have students understand the 'why' characters go through journeys and quests in fantasy novels

2. Compare and contrast the physical quest/journey and the metaphysical journey/quest

3. Relating the journeys characters go on, to students own life

Launching the Unit

To illustrate the importance of the journey characters make, hand out J.R.R.

Tolkien's poem 'The Road Goes Ever On':

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet,

And whither then? I cannot say...

1. Using the lines "And I must follow, if I can, / Pursuing it with eager feet" discuss the differences between the physical and the metaphysical journey the poem describes.

2. Have students write a short paper on a time when they experienced a journey (physical or other) that helped them to change or realize something bout themselves.

3. Introduce the idea of using fantasy to demonstrate journeys. Organize class into two groups: one group is to discuss and find reasons why fantasy can be a good genre to use; the other is to come up with ideas and reasons why it isn't.

4. Have a class discussion on what the two groups came up with, and introduce The Man Who Was Magic.

Main Text

1. While reading The Man Who Was Magic have the students record every journey, physical and internal the characters go on. At the end of the novel, the students will write a short paper on which character had the most changing and personally revealing experience, and whether or not fantasy was an effective genre to use.

2. Adam is the most innocent character in the novel, even more so than the children. Have class discussions on what this trait does to the character and how it affects his journey. Compare it the other characters in the story, particularly Jane who although child, is very jaded towards the world. Question prompts can be:

a. Why did Paul Gallico chose to make Adam so innocent? What does this do to our perception of Adam?

b. Once Adam enters a city based off of lies and deceit, how will his journey be changed? Or wont it? Why or why not? (remember, Adam is going there to learn from what he thinks are masters of his trade)

c. Is Jane's personal journey ‑regaining her innocence ‑harder than Adam's? If so, how? If not, why?

3. At the end of the novel, have students write a short fantasy story of their own in which their character goes on a journey or quest, making sure there is a lesson or revelation that results form the journey.

Extending the Unit

Keeping in theme with the fantasy genre and journey theme, students will choose their own fantasy book to read alongside The Man Who Was Magic. Have the students find similarities with their book's characters and the characters in the assigned reading. When both books are completed have small group discussions on which book, and the characters involved, had better journeys/quests. Which author used fantasy more efficiently to express journeys? Why?

Personal recommendations:

Harry Potter, Redwall, Eragon, The Hobbit

Young Adult Literature Selections Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable muggle aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny. (summary from borders.com) Star Wars, created by George Lucas.

Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke Skywalker is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi‑Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi‑Wan begins Luke's Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil Empire. Although Obi‑Wan sacrifices himself in a lightsaber duel with Darth Vader, his former apprentice, Luke proves that the Force is with him by destroying the Empire's dreaded Death Star. (summary from starwars.com) The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman

Lyra Belaqua is content to run wild among the scholars of Jordan College, with her daemon familiar Pantalaimon always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her and her daemon Pantalaimon to the heart of a terrible struggle‑‑a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armored bears and into a journey that will lead them into danger and adventure unlike anything Lyra's unfettered imagination has conjured up. And as she hurtles toward danger in the cold, far North, young Lyra never suspects the shocking truth: She alone is destined to win, or to lose, this more‑than‑mortal battle. (summary from borders.com) Redwall, by Brian Jacques

What can the peace‑loving mice of Redwall Abbey do to defend themselves against Cluny the Scourge and his battle‑seasoned army of rats? If only they had the sword of Martin the Warrior, they might have a chance. But the legendary weapon has long been forgotten ‑‑ except, that is, by the bumbling young apprentice Matthias, who becomes the unlikeliest of heroes. In his quest to find the sword and defend the Abbey, Matthias battles worrier sparrows, deadly adders, and most importantly, his own self doubt. Matthias proves to all that he is not only worthy of defending the Abbey, but also has the courage and honor to carry and wield the revered sword. (summary from borders.com) Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Vivian Gandillon relishes the change, the sweet, fierce ache that carries her from girl to wolf. At sixteen, she is beautiful and strong, and all the young wolves are on her tail. But Vivian still grieves for her dead father; her pack remains leaderless and in disarray, and she feels lost in the suburbs of Maryland. She longs for a normal life. But what is normal for a werewolf? Then Vivian falls in love with a human, a meatboy. Aiden is kind and gentle, a welcome relief from the squabbling pack. He's fascinated by magic, and Vivian longs to reveal herself to him. Surely he would understand her and delight in the wonder of her dual nature, not fear her as an ordinary human would. Vivian's divided loyalties are strained further when a brutal murder threatens to expose the pack. Moving between two worlds, she does not seem to belong in either. What is she really ‑‑ human or beast? Which tastes sweeter ‑‑ blood or chocolate? (summary from borders.com) Era gon by Christopher Paolini

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. (summary form alagaesia.com) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But then the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse, unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo ‑‑ alone and unaided ‑‑ who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside... (summary from borders.com) Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

"From now on I'm Alan of Trebond, the younger twin. I'll be a knight." And so young Alanna of Trebond begins the journey to knighthood. Though a girl, Alanna has always craved the adventure and daring allowed only for boys; her twin brother, Thom, yearns to learn the art of magic. So one day they decide to switch places: Disguised as a girl, Thom heads for the convent to learn magic; Alanna, pretending to be a boy, is on her way to the castle of King Roald to begin her training as a page. But the road to knighthood is not an easy one. As Alanna masters the skills necessary for battle, she must also learn to control her heart and to discern her enemies from her allies. Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, Alaima's first adventure begins ‑‑ one that will leard to the fulfillment of her dreams and the magical destiny that will make her a legend in her land. (summary from borders.com) Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Narnia ... the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy ... the place where the adventure begins. Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. At first, no one believes her when she tells of her adventures in the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund and then Peter and Susan discover the Magic a meet Asian, the Great Lion, for themselves. In the blink of an eye, their lives are changed forever. Finding Nemo created by Disney

Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to Marlin, his worrisome father, and Dory, a friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish, to make the epic journey to bring Nemo home. Their adventure brings them face‑to‑face with vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more. Marlin discovers a bravery he never knew, but will he be able to find his son? (summary from disneydvd.com)

Works Cited

Borders.com. "Title Detail". Alanna: The First Adventure. 2005. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. 2008.
<http ://www.borders.comlonline/store/TitleDetail?sku06898785 59>

Borders.com. "Title Detail". Blood and Chocolate. 1999. Random House Books. 2008. <http ://www.borders.comlonline/store/TitleDetail?sku0440226686>

Borders.com. "Title Detail". Golden Compass. 2003. Random House Books.

2008. <http ://www.borders.comlonline/store/TitleDetail?sku=044023 8137>

Bordes.com. "Title Detail". Harry Potter. 1999. Scholastic. 2008

Borders.com. "Title Detail". Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. 1994. HarperCollins.

2008. <http ://www.borders.comlonline/store/TitleDetail?sku=0064404994>

Borders.com. "Title Detail". Redwall. 2002. Penguin Group Inc. 2008

Gallico, Paul. The Man Who Was Magic. Garden City, New York:
Doubleday & Company Inc. 1966

Lucas, George. "Star Wars: Episode N". TM & Lucasfilm Ltd. 2008

Nilsen, Allen Pace and Kenneth L. Donelson. Literature for Today's Young Adults. New

York: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2008.

Paolini, Christopher. "The Inheritance Trilogy Books". Eragon. Random House Inc.

2004. <http://www.alagaesia.com/eragon.htm>

Sheehan, David. "Finding Nemo". Disney.

<http ://disneydvd.disney.go.comlsearch.html?qFinding%2ONemo&rows

=1 0&start=0&sort=closest>

Tolkien, JRR. "The Road Goes Ever On". Poetseers.org

<http ://www.poetseeres.orglpoets/j_r_r_tolkienpoems/the_road_goes_ever

onlview>