Reading the Child in Children's Literature: An Heretical Approach

ISBN-13: 9781137322340 / Angielski / Miękka / 2013 / 248 str.

David Rudd

Opis

Rudd explores and challenges the critical representation of the child in children's literature, looking at the child's positioning from a psychoanalytically informed perspective. He shows students how to work productively with theory, combining conceptual analysis with close-textual readings of key texts in a sophisticated yet readable manner.

Spis treści

List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Note on the Text Introduction: An Energetics of Children's Literature PART I: THE IMAGINARY 1. Many Happy Returns: To Freud, to Rose, the Child and its Literature 2. Peter Pan and the Riddle of Existence PART II: THE SYMBOLIC 3. Holes and Pores: Slipping Between the Cracks of Social Criticism 4. Hiding in the Light: Perry Nodelman and the Hidden Adult PART III: THE REAL 5. Home Sweet Home and the Uncanny: Freud, Alice and the Curious Child PART IV: RSI 6. Fantasy and Realism Contained: From Fortunatus' Cap to the Mobius Strip 7. The Children's Book Not Suitable for Children? Coda Notes Glossary Bibliography Index.

O autorze

David Rudd is Professor of Children's Literature at the University of Bolton, UK.

Blurb

David Rudd takes a lively and controversial look at the critical representation of the child in children's literature, arguing for a more open and eclectic approach: one that celebrates the diverse power, appeal and possibilities of children's literature.

Drawing on psychoanalytically informed perspectives, Rudd shows how theory can be both exciting and liberating. He offers fresh and stimulating close readings of key texts, ranging from established classics – such as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Winnie-the-Pooh - to more modern works, including novels (Peter Pan in Scarlet and The Children's Book) and picture books (Zoo¸ The Missing Piece and Where the Wild Things Are).

Sophisticated yet highly approachable, this is an essential read for anyone with an interest in the study of children's literature.