“Necessary fantasy”: The Presence of Fantastic in John Banville’s Birchwood and Mefisto

Abstract

Among the many aspects of John Banville’s writing, the fantastic is underscored. In this respect, two of his novels reveal significant material for analysis: Birchwood (1973) and Mefisto (1986). Besides the repetition of themes such as the double and the search for an organizing force in the world, the presence of twin siblings is another interesting similarity of the novels. In addition, theories of the fantastic will certainly enrich the interpretation of these novels and contribute to a different perspective of the fantastic in Ireland. As Banville’s home country, Ireland has influenced his writing and because of this nation’s long practice of fantastic and gothic literature, Birchwood and Mefisto can be considered a contemporary expression of these traditions. The notions of the fantastic added to the Irish context provide a valuable analysis of John Banville’s novels and a greater understanding of Irish literature.