TRANSFORMATION OF FAIRY TALE COMPONENTS IN MODERN FANTASY LITERATURE (EXEMPLIFIED IN THE NOVEL "MORT" BY TERRY PRATCHETT)
The relevance of this paper is determined by the interest in revealing folklore tra- ditions in the contemporary fantasy literature. The article discusses the possibility of interaction and mutual influence of folklore and fantasy literature, namely the use of various forms of folk- lore and mythological traditions in the works of contemporary writers. The research is based on the work by Terry Pratchett “Mort”. The analysis of the work shows a strong influence of folklore traditions on the narrative model of the novel. The article reveals some difference and similarity in the plots of the novel based on the fairytale plot type “the magician and his pupil” (Plot No. 325). The main compositional elements of the novel are compared with the functions of fairy tale characters proposed by V. Ya. Propp. The relevancy of this comparison is also considered. The analysis of the novel allows us to conclude that the fairy tale code is one of its constituent parts. Following the specific requirements of the genre, modern fantasy writers use fairy tale elements in their works often, transforming them in some degree. This allows not only to preserve and con- tinue the artistic traditions of the past, but also to guarantee success of their production among readers in the present.