Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
In George MacDonald's fantasy, the female archetype reflects MacDonald's
theological framework. The archetype is an image created by the
imaginative process. That process finds its basis in the creative
nature of God. The archetype not only draws back to God, the source of
all imaginative forms, but also becomes a generating figure itself. In
Phantastes the woman-form generates the quest for Anodos. Here she
assumes her major role, reflecting God's gracious dealings with man in
the outworking of His redemptive purpose. A maternal figure, she is the
source, sustainer, and goal of the quester who is in the process of
redemption. Finally, through the reversal of the maternal figure, Lilith,
MacDonald reveals the wonder and grace of God in redeeming even that part
of creation which has defied His creative and redemptive nature embodied
in the female archetype.
theological framework. The archetype is an image created by the
imaginative process. That process finds its basis in the creative
nature of God. The archetype not only draws back to God, the source of
all imaginative forms, but also becomes a generating figure itself. In
Phantastes the woman-form generates the quest for Anodos. Here she
assumes her major role, reflecting God's gracious dealings with man in
the outworking of His redemptive purpose. A maternal figure, she is the
source, sustainer, and goal of the quester who is in the process of
redemption. Finally, through the reversal of the maternal figure, Lilith,
MacDonald reveals the wonder and grace of God in redeeming even that part
of creation which has defied His creative and redemptive nature embodied
in the female archetype.
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