Adventure: A Literary Device

Etymology of Adventure

The word “adventure” has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Old French word “aventure,” which means “chance” or “fortune.” This, in turn, was derived from the Latin word “adventura,” meaning “a happening” or “an occurrence.” With time, “adventure” evolved to describe exciting and daring experiences, involving risk or the unknown, which is how we commonly understand it today.

However, it has varied meanings now depending on thee type of characters, plots and situations.

Meaning of Adventure

Meaning	Explanation
Literary Exploration	In literature, “adventure” signifies narratives where characters undertake challenging journeys with unexpected events.
Hero’s Journey	“Adventure” in literature often embodies the hero’s journey archetype, featuring transformative quests with trials and wisdom acquisition.
Plot Catalyst	Adventures serve as pivotal plot catalysts, introducing conflict and propelling characters into new circumstances.
Symbolism and Allegory	In literary theory, “adventure” can hold symbolic significance, representing human experiences, knowledge pursuit, or self-discovery.
Exploration of the Unknown	Literary adventures encompass exploration, both externally (unexplored realms) and internally (self-discovery), adding deepth to the narrative.
Escapism and Entertainment	Adventure literature provides escapism and entertainment, immersing readers in thrilling experiences through fiction.

Definition of Literary Device of Adventure

The literary device of adventure refers to a narrative technique in literature where characters engage in challenging and exciting journeys, involving risks and unforeseen events. It often serves as a central plot element, introducing conflict and propelling the development of characters. Adventures symbolize the human experience, representing quests for knowledge, or providing a means of exploring both external and internal worlds in a story.

Common Features of an Adventure

1. Journey and Exploration: Adventures in literature often center around characters embarking on journeys, be they physical or metaphorical, involving the exploration of unfamiliar realms or experiences.
2. Conflict and Obstacles: Adventures introduce conflicts and obstacles that characters must confront and overcome, contributing to tension in the narrative.
3. Risk and Uncertainty: The presence of risk and uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of adventures with characters facing unknown and potentially perilous circumstances.
4. Character Development: Adventures frequently catalyze significant development of the characters as protagonists evolve through their experiences and encounters.
5. Quest or Objective: Adventures commonly revolve around a central quest or objective, serving as a driving force that move the narrative forward.
6. Themes of Courage and Growth: Themes of courage, resilience, and personal growth are often prominent in adventure narratives, reflecting characters’ transformative journeys.
7. Discovery and Revelation: Adventures often lead to discoveries, revelations, or insights that deepen characters’ understanding of themselves or the world around them, adding depth to the story.

Types of Adventures

Type	Explanation	Example
Heroic Quests	These adventures feature a protagonist on a noble journey, involving the retrieval of a valuable item or the defeat of a powerful adversary.	Arthurian legends by Various Authors, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Exploration and Discovery	These adventures centered on exploration and discovery take characters to uncharted territories, whether on Earth or in the cosmos. Classic examples include Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.	Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
Survival Adventures	In these stories, characters must overcome extreme circumstances and the struggle for survival.	The Call of the Wild by Jack London and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Mystery and Detective Adventures	Adventures involving mysteries often feature a detective or investigator trying to solve a complex puzzle or crime, as seen in Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series.	Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
Pirate and Swashbuckling Adventures	These tales present pirates, treasure hunting, and high-seas escapades, exemplified by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.	Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Time Travel Adventures	Adventures that involve time travel enable characters to journey to different eras, exploring historical events or speculative futures, as seen in H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine.	The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
Fantasy Adventures	Within the fantasy genre, adventures often take place in magical or mythical realms, with quests involving magical artifacts, creatures, and epic battles, as exemplified by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.	Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Coming-of-Age Adventures	These adventures focus on the growth and development of young protagonists as they navigate challenges and self-discovery.	The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Adventures	These stories depict characters grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic events or oppressive societies.	The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Historical Adventures	Set in specific historical periods, these adventures immerse readers in bygone eras and often involve historical figures and events, as in Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth.	The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Shakespearean Adventures

Shakespearean Adventures	Plays
Tragic Quests	Macbeth, Othello
Historical Epics	Henry IV, Henry V
Romantic Adventures	A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night
Political Intrigue	Julius Caesar, Richard III
Supernatural Journeys	Hamlet, Macbeth
Quests for Identity	The Tempest
Cross-Dressing and Disguise	As You Like It, Twelfth Night
Sea Voyages and Shipwrecks	The Tempest
Quests for Justice	The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure
Love and Rivalry	Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing

Suggested Readings

1. Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Penguin Classics, 2009.
2. London, Jack. The Call of the Wild. Oxford University Press, 1998.
3. Verne, Jules. Journey to the Center of the Earth. Oxford University Press, 2008.
4. Stevenson, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. Penguin Classics, 2012.
5. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012.
6. Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Norton, 1999.
7. Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic Press, 2008.
8. Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. Oxford University Press, 2008.
9. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Scholastic, 1998.
10. Follett, Ken. The Pillars of the Earth. Signet, 2017.
11. Smith, John (Ed.). Adventure Stories: An Anthology. Oxford University Press, 2015.
12. Zongker, David (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Adventure Fiction. Greenwood, 2019.