A favourite movie franchise of mine is Alien (Ridley Scott) which imagines the creatures in outer space and the possible dangers of messing with them. The suspense and moral aspects of the film excite me a lot. Ripley is a strong female protagonist who embodies the kick-ass attitude we all know and love. It’s both scary and fun to imagine aliens. Saying this, my reading preferences are typically realistic fiction. I enjoy being in the head of a character and watching a pretend situation play out and wondering what I would do in that situation. For example, Jane Fallon’s books let me be in the middle of gossip and revenge without having to actually deal with the consequences. For this, I think escapism is invaluable. As human beings, we typically live through mundane and monotonous routines. For me, most days consist of eating, showering and working. 

Although, humans are complex creatures. All of us have fears and desires which can be tapped into through escapism. The word ‘escapism’  is defined as the ‘tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.’ For me, if I’m having a rough day, switching off and diving into a film, series or book takes my mind off my own problems for a while. I’m sure most of you share my curiosity and desire to observe, learn and grow. Escaping into fiction allows us to do this. The characters live out scenarios so we don’t have to. There is of course a downside to escapism. We can hide in the comfort of our duvet, close the book, switch off the film. In real life situations, we can’t do that as easily but fiction can force us to think and be somewhat prepared.

Escapism is also a temporary cure for loneliness and boredom. In real life, relationships and connection take time but in fiction, we get through the barrier of intimacy quickly. Characters can feel relatable and like friends. Jane Eyre springs to mind for me, with her delicate strength and rebellious nature. Escapism doesn’t just have to mean fantasy. Writing realism and ordinary characters can satisfy our need to connect just as much. Getting into the heads of other people is something we all wish we could do. Another favourite of mine is Austen. Not only do we get an insight into that era and society, but can learn a lot by observing each character’s journey. We might despite such figures as Mr. Collins and therefore be asked why that is – forming our identity and morals.

Though, with genres like sci-fi and dystopia, it can be exciting to imagine what other worlds might be like. Humans are naturally curious and it is both scary and thrilling to dive into an unknown world. An example of this might be Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale which taps into our fears of the future and what a totalitarian state might look like. Our anxieties about politics and power can be trialled through fiction. 

Overall, escapism is very valuable and can fulfil many purposes. It can give a sense of connection and belonging and/or give us a break from everyday life. We might read or watch something that includes magic or monsters which is arguably a lot more exciting than someone going to work five days a week. Escapism is essentially walking in someone else’s shoes for a while or playing out the impossible.