LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
The question of the appropriateness of violence inclusion in children’s literature is a recent concern in scholarly studies, whereas for a long time the didactic role of violence as a punishment for wrong-doing was the main proponent of children books. Believing that talking mildly and patiently abo...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Marina Sokolova Publishings
2022-07-01
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| Series: | Russian Linguistic Bulletin |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://rulb.org/archive/3-31-2022-july/10.18454/RULB.2022.31.28 |
| Summary: | The question of the appropriateness of violence inclusion in children’s literature is a recent concern in scholarly studies, whereas for a long time the didactic role of violence as a punishment for wrong-doing was the main proponent of children books. Believing that talking mildly and patiently about violence in children’s books can become an instructive experience, this article explores the manner in which representation of violence has to be rendered in children’s books. Acknowledging the power of language, speaking instead of people and turning them into subjects who merely respond to this system of signification through their actions, the proper portrayal of violence is explored. The display of violence in children’s literature is claimed to be beneficial for two reasons. First, violence representation can become the means of standing up to violence during real-life exposure to aggressive behavior, making prevention probable by providing a cathartic fictional experience. Second, identification with the protagonist and immersing in their adventure informs the child of the destructive effect of the act of violence on the sufferer. Thus, by providing the opportunity for children to experience violence safely, literature allows the reader to observe from multiple perspectives the horrible aftermaths of violence, preventing aggression and raising awareness. |
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| ISSN: | 2313-0288 2411-2968 |