
- 218 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
Power, Voice and Subjectivity in Literature for Young Readers
About this book
This book considers one of the most controversial aspects of children's and young adult literature: its use as an instrument of power. Children in contemporary Western society are oppressed and powerless, yet they are allowed, in fiction written by adults for the enlightenment and enjoyment of children, to become strong, brave, rich, powerful, and independent -- on certain conditions and for a limited time. Though the best children's literature offers readers the potential to challenge the authority of adults, many authors use artistic means such as the narrative voice and the subject position to manipulate the child reader. Looking at key works from the eighteenth century to the present, Nikolajeva explores topics such as genre, gender, crossvocalization, species, and picturebook images. Contemporary power theories including social and cultural studies, carnival theory, feminism, postcolonial and queer studies, and narratology are also considered, in order to demonstrate how a balance is maintained between the two opposite inherent goals of children's literature: to empower and to educate the child.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Series Editorās Foreword
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction: Why Does Pippi Sleep with Her Feet on the Pillow?
- Chapter 1 Harry Potter and the Secrets of Childrenās Literature
- Chapter 2 Othering the Sense: Language and (Mis)communication
- Chapter 3 Othering the Genre: Fantasy and Realism
- Chapter 4 Othering the Child: George MacDonaldās Fairy Tales
- Chapter 5 Othering the Future: Stereotypes of Dystopia
- Chapter 6 Othering the Setting: Orientalism and Robinsonade
- Chapter 7 Othering Gender: New Masculinities, New Femininities
- Chapter 8 Othering the Voice: Crossvocalization and Performance
- Chapter 9 Othering Ideology: Literature in Societyās Service
- Chapter 10 Othering the Species: The (Ab)use of Animals
- Chapter 11 Othering the Visual: Power Structures in Picturebooks
- Chapter 12 Othering the Reader: Identification Fallacy
- Conclusion: The Adultās Self-Denial
- Bibliography