Series Theory is a new, critical approach to examining Modern Fantasy in a serial context. There are two disparate methods when analyzing fantasy series texts- either by way of their fantastic content or by discussing how the overall structure of the series contributes to their meaning. There is little scholarship that examines how the structure of a series adds to or fully composes the fantasy narrative. Series Theory, however, melds Structuralism and Seriality Studies concepts together by examining how the repeated patterns within a series set (trilogies, septologies, etc.) creates an exciting escape while remaining safe and consoling by the familiar, repetitive structures. This thesis aims to show how the overall structure of the Modern Fantasy epic, closed-ended series creates meaning for he fantastic through three key stages: the Repetition of familiar narrative structures, the progression and Elaboration of each repeated element, and finally closing with a Eucatastrophic event and the room for a new beginning. 

 

Keywords: series, structuralism, Modern Fantasy, literary theory, seriality.