Imaginary_Journeys_Are_Learning_Experiences_-_the_Tempest,_Pan's_Labyrinth_and_Alice_in_Wonderland

An imaginative journey is a figurative adventure, which challenges the existing values and attitudes of individuals, resulting in growth intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. The journey can be both positive and negative, can reflect on real life, create a sense of perfection and act as a chance to re-evaluate what cannot be controlled in the reality. This is clearly illustrated in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, ‘El Laberinto del Fauno’ (2006, international title ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’) directed by Guillermo del Toro, and Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. The Imaginary can be both a positive or negative place, depending on who is controlling it. In ‘The Tempest’ Gonzalo imagines an ideal world where there is “No sovereignty’, a society where everything is shared. Antonio and Sebastian laugh at him but he rebukes them and keeps control over their small group. Prospero uses his magic and superior knowledge to torment Alonso in order for him to gain Prospero’s forgiveness for banishing him. Alonso therefore has a negative outlook of the imaginary because he believes his son is dead. Caliban also sees it as a negative place because he is resentful of Prospero enslaving him. In ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ Ofelia begins with a positive view of the imaginary, as a Faun offers her the control of her own destiny. This is ironic because in order to gain control she must allow herself to be controlled and follow his instructions. As her fantasy is corrupted by her stepfather Captain Vidal it has a negative impact on her as she struggles to fight off the nightmare her dream has become. In ‘Alice in Wonderland’, Alice finds the imaginary to have a very positive effect on her as she found reality boring and the fantasy was an escape and an adventure. This adventure turns negative as she discovers the cruel side of Wonderland upon meeting the Queen of Hearts. The imaginary can reflect the characteristics and traits of the individual throughout their journey. An example of this in ‘The Tempest’ is Alonso’s certainty that his children are most important to him in reality and the imaginary. Prospero also has the same relationship with Miranda although she is confused between reality and the imaginary. In ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ Captain Vidal transforms both her fantasy and reality into an intertwining nightmare, making it hard for her to differentiate between them. In ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Alice is compelled through reality and the imaginary by her curiosity and need for excitement. Perfection is possible to find, create and achieve in the imaginary, though unreachable in reality. It influences the positivity of the imaginary place, which impacts on the experiences of the individuals. “The Tempest’ shows perfection in Miranda and Ferdinand’s love for each other. Miranda imagines Ferdinand to be a “spirit” and he views her a “goddess”. Their love is instant and pure, creating the perfection seldom found in reality. In ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ Ofelia finds her perfection in the beauty of the underworld as she sits beside her spirit parents upon the golden throne as Princess Moanna. Alice finds a similar perfection in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ as she gazes upon the most beautiful garden, her own utopia. The imaginary can be controlled, allowing a chance to re-evaluate what cannot be changed in reality. Prospero uses his magic to control the imaginary journeys of the other inhabitants of the island, whereas in reality it was Alonso ruling over him. He uses this chance to torment those who have wronged him and help those who were kind. In ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ the Faun controls Ofelia’s journey by creating tasks for her to complete before she can return to her home in the underworld. As the dream becomes more and more a nightmare, Ofelia is left to try and gain control over it whilst Captain Vidal tries to stop her. In ‘Alice in Wonderland’ the Queen of Hearts tries to maintain her control over the imaginary as she uses the fear of others against them. Alice regains control when she reveals the Queen and her army to be “nothing more than a pack of cards” and is no longer afraid. Imaginary journeys are learning experiences as they help the individual grow intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. This is evident in ‘The Tempest’ when Prospero forgives his brother and returns to Naples into the reality. Each of the characters also discovered self-realisation; “Ferdinand found a wife, where he himself was lost… Prospero his dukedom and all of us ourselves”. In ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ Ofelia refuses to ‘obey orders for the sake of obeying orders’ and learns to take control of her nightmare, going against the Faun’s final task. Although she dies almost immediately after making this decision she has learnt her capabilities and frees herself from the unrelenting world of pain, violence and death into her fantasy land. In ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Alice discovers she is strong and free-willed, gaining confidence and maturity from her experiences in Wonderland.