A Wizard of Earthsea

 Bibliography: LeGuin, U. K. (1968). A Wizard of Earthsea. Bantam Books. ISBN: 0-553-26250-5

Plot Summary: Ged is a young boy, born with magical abilities, who grows into a master wizard. But he is arrogant and jealous, which will lead him to accept a challenge that results in his releasing a dark entity into the world. To overcome the error of his ways, Ged begins a journey through the islands of Earthsea, learning the true nature of his power, and how to use magic responsibly. Through his journey, he learns to embrace both the dark and light sides of him, to find balance in the end.

Critical Analysis: Though a relatively short read (under 200 pages) may attract reluctant readers, the use of language may deter these readers as it is very dignified and eloquent. The words are not complicated, but the way they are used is fairly sophisticated. For example, "Few and short as were the streets of Thwil, they turned and twisted curiously among the high-roofed houses, and the way was easy to lose" (42). The descriptions, however, are beautifully written and demonstrate the skill of the author: "Yet  in among his mumbling there were words of what the bird had sung and what the water had said falling" (39). The book contains many of the characteristics of fantasy: a protagonist who is magical, a dangerous quest, dragons, and other imaginary creatures. I enjoy fantasy and the storyline was good, and it was very well-written, but I frequently found myself bored, to the point where I nodded off.  It was fairly difficult to get through. 

Reviews:

    Commonsensemedia.org: "Classic, magical fantasy novel for tweens up."

    Bookreporter.com: "Le Guin accomplishes a great deal in this relatively short novel. In only a few pages, she establishes Earthsea as a believable world filled with brilliantly realized characters. "

Awards:
    
    Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, 1969

Connections:

    Use in a high school English class. After teaching students the various literary elements, read the book together as a class and have students create a graphic organizer identifying instances of each element in the reading. 

     Use in a high school English class. After teaching the characteristics of fantasy (such as magical forces, world building, fantastical characters, a dangerous mission, mythical creatures) have students take note of each of these on a graphic organizer as they read.

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