The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White is considered a fantasy novel for children. Though it contains some realistic elements, the overall story includes fantastical talking animals and magical or improbable events. Here is a closer look at the fantasy elements in The Trumpet of the Swan.
Talking Animals
One of the main fantasy aspects of The Trumpet of the Swan is that the animals can talk. The main character, Louis, is a Trumpeter Swan who communicates with the other animals and humans by writing in a small notebook he carries around his neck. While animals communicating with each other is common in children’s literature, it is not possible in real life and marks this novel as fantasy rather than realistic fiction.
Examples of Talking Animals
Some examples of talking animals in the book include:
- Louis the swan
- His father and mother, who also communicate through a form of Trumpeter Swan sign language
- Sam Beaver, a young boy who understands and converses with Louis
- Various birds, frogs, and other animals that Louis encounters on his migration
The ability for the animals to converse with each other and with humans like Sam in complex ways that mimic human speech is a main fantasy element.
Improbable Events
In addition to talking animals, several events happen throughout the novel that introduce an element of magic or improbability that adds to the fantasy genre.
Louis’ Thumbs
One example is the fact that Louis is born without the ability to make a trumpeting sound like other swans. He is also born without usable wings. This is not something that would realistically happen in nature and sets up the magical solutions later.
The Silver Throat
Eventually, Sam helps set up a special operation so Louis can get silver prosthetic thumb tips to enable him to play a trumpet. The surgery to attach the silver thumb tips introduced an element of magic or supernatural aid.
The Trumpet
Louis receiving an actual trumpet and learning to play it is also improbable. The trumpet becomes Louis’ voice and way to communicate. This personification of the trumpet and Louis’ mastery of it add to the elements of impossibility.
Talking Animal Society
The Trumpet of the Swan develops an entire talking animal society, which adds depth to the fantasy world. The animals have currencies, jobs, goals, tools, vehicles, homes, and complex interpersonal relationships. They mimic human society in fantastical ways.
Animal Jobs
Some examples of the jobs, tools, and skills animals have in the book include:
Animal | Job/Skill | Tools/Vehicles |
---|---|---|
Louis | Musician, trumpet player | Trumpet, bicycle |
Louis’ Father | Pen manufacturer | Pen factory |
Serena the Swan | Writer | Typewriter |
This advanced animal society with jobs, livelihoods, education, and complex social structures helps create depth in the fantasy world-building.
Magical Elements
A few instances in the novel also introduce some moments of magic by gives animals supernatural abilities they would not have in real life.
Animal Magic Examples
Some examples include:
- Louis seemingly being able to play the trumpet with no training.
- The swans being able to fly enormous distances during migration.
- The animals’ ability to use human tools like bicycles and typewriters with no modifications.
While these elements verge more on the edge of improbability, they introduce a hint of magic that adds to the fantasy.
Fairy Tale Themes
The Trumpet of the Swan also draws inspiration from classic fairy tales in a few ways that enhance the fantasy.
Coming-of-Age Story
Louis goes through a coming-of-age character arc as he faces challenges, goes on an adventure, and develops his identity and place in the world. This draws parallels to fairy tale journeys.
Talking Animals
The talking animals also echo classic fables like Aesop’s where animals take on human characteristics and face moral dilemmas.
Happy Ending
Additionally, the story has a classic “happily ever after” fairy tale ending as Louis finds love and success as a musician.
Whimsical Tone
The Trumpet of the Swan has an overall whimsical, quirky tone. Though it deals with serious themes like disability and prejudice, the talking animals and Louis’ antics keep the story lighthearted. This adds to the fantasy atmosphere.
Whimsical Moments
Some examples of particularly whimsical passages include:
- Louis communicating by flapping his wings and stomping his feet before learning to write.
- Louis’ silly misadventures learning to ride a bicycle.
- Louis serenading his loved one by playing his trumpet for her.
The balance of seriousness with funny, odd moments enhances the fantasy tone.
For Children
The Trumpet of the Swan was written for children. Though some texts featuring talking animals are aimed more towards adults, like Animal Farm, everything about this novel – from the simple language to the lighthearted tone – classifies it as a children’s fantasy story.
Reading Level
Specifically, it is generally considered to be at about a 3rd to 5th grade reading level. Features like:
- Short, straightforward sentences
- Limited vocabulary
- Small chapters with illustrations
Cement it as a book for younger readers and strengthen its categorization within the fantasy genre.
Author’s Genre
Another reason The Trumpet of the Swan is classified as fantasy is because that was E.B. White’s typical genre. He was known for children’s fantasy writing.
Other E.B. White Works
Some of his other famous fantasy novels include:
- Charlotte’s Web
- Stuart Little
So The Trumpet of the Swan fit into White’s common genre of children’s fantasy animal tales.
Conclusion
In summary, The Trumpet of the Swan contains a number of fantasy elements that classify it in that genre. These include:
- Talking, anthropomorphic animals as main characters
- Improbable, magical events like Louis’ silver thumb surgery and trumpet playing
- An imagined society of animals with jobs and tools
- Magical moments giving some animals human abilities
- Themes and happy ending reminiscent of classic fairy tales
- A lighthearted, whimsical tone
- Writing aimed at young children
- Placement in E.B. White’s typical fantasy genre
While it includes some realistic elements like settings in Philadelphia, the Yukon, and Canada, the prominent fantasy components make The Trumpet of the Swan overwhelmingly categorized as a children’s fantasy novel rather than realistic fiction.