the negative connotations associated with escapist fiction. They argue that through encouraging readers to "escape" escapist fiction has the ability to position its readers to be perceptive to didactic and potentially formative ideological assumptions. Those who advocate for escapist fiction as a genre believe it holds a formative value for adolescents as they mature and can therefore offer similar socialising value to readers. For a long time creators and consumers of escapist fiction have been placed (and still are placed) in a position of inferiority, therefore, escapist fiction is an excluded genre from recognition and scholarship. The ideological views presented in escapist fiction are often implicit, that is, representations throughout escapist literature are informed and structured according to the accepted cultural and societal constructions. Examples Most genres that belong under the title of popular fiction are considered to be escapist literature, including, romance novels, mystery novels, fantasy novels, horror fiction, science fiction, pulp fiction, thrillers. Popular fiction authors, such as, Agatha Christie, Enid Blyton, Barbara Cartland, Stephen King, J. K. Rowling, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Danielle Steel can be categorised as authors of escapist literature. Common characteristics, techniques and features One of the most well-known canonical examples of escapist literature is Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. This work of escapist fiction describes characters in an entirely new, fictional universe complete with its own history and languages. Tolkien explores the themes of right and wrong, and emphasises the significance of small acts of bravery. These are themes that are prominent in most escapist literature. Escapist literature aims to create a relatable and believable alternate world, where the inhabitants struggle with dilemmas that the reader may encounter. Escapist fiction contains elements of reality, self-improvement and deep-seated truths, and can explore moral and ethical themes within an entertaining medium. There is an intrinsic need for escape that is embedded within humans to maintain sanity, escapist literature allows a window for readers to view historical and instinctual lessons. Escapist fiction can be a representation for how things ought to be in the world, encouraging readers to understand underlying problems and challenges of the real world within the context of an alternate world. As a multifaceted literary genre, escapist fiction contains thematic depth and complex ideologies that seek to persuade the reader to reconsider their views of the world. Escapist fiction uses techniques that seek to encourage readers engagement and fulfilment of "escape"