The quintessential quest.

Random picture of our cat. Great picture, isn't it?

Questing is a common theme in fiction, especially fantasy. You put a nearly impossible task before the main characters, then make that task necessary because of some urgent reason. Like finding the Holy Grail to heal Britain, or crossing through a series of trapped rooms to save your true love, or perhaps finding the answer to a riddle. Whatever the quest, the majority of the story is typically centered around the journey to fulfill that quest.

 

This is actually just a structure that is used to prop up a story. The quest many times isn't the focus, but is a means to bring the characters into conflict and put them into situations that reveal their strengths and weaknesses. Without the quest, the characters would go about their lives without much interesting happening. It's an effective framework, and fun to play with. The final Harry Potter books use this as they are finding the evil pieces that will make the villain weak. Yes, it works very well.

 

I've often wondered if quests cross over into the real world. Certainly there are times when we see people going after a certain thing, but I doubt anyone ever says they are "questing" for it. What I hear is someone talking about their "dream" they wish to fulfill. Maybe saying you are going on a quest is a foreign thought, but it does provide a useful frame to hang dreams upon.

 

I like the idea. It's romantic. It's unusual. It makes people think.

 

What's your quest?

 

- M