THE FORMATION OF DOMESTIC FANTASY DISCOURSE IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

This article examines the theme of domestic fantasy in children's literature, focusing on P.L. Travers' “ Mary Poppins” (1934), and analyzes how the novel combines magical realism with everyday family life. Domestic fantasy, a sub-genre that integrates fantastical elements into familiar, family-oriented settings, is exemplified in Travers' portrayal of the Banks family's ordinary routines being transformed by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins. The paper explores how Mary Poppins serves as both a magical figure of authority and a catalyst for change, challenging conventional family roles, authority, and domestic expectations. It also addresses the blending of the ordinary with the extraordinary, illustrating how magical occurrences become part of the family’s everyday life. Furthermore, the article underscores how the fantasy world in “ Mary Poppins” functions not only as a form of escapism but also as a means of personal and emotional growth, imparting important lessons to the children. Ultimately, the study highlights how Travers' narrative reimagines childhood and family dynamics, encouraging readers to view their own environments as spaces full of creativity, wonder, and potential.