Theories in Analyzing Children and Childhood Literature

In our recent readings, I have found many theories and common denominators used to explore and analyze children and childhood literature.

The first theory to keep in mind is that children’s literature is actually not written for the child; rather it is written as a reflection of the adult’s ideals and desires. In the Sanchez-Eppler article she articulates this thought in noting that “much of the most insightful work on children has seen childhood essentially as a discourse among adults.” This theory is evident in the story that we read of Rip Van Winkle who slept for twenty years and was rewarded by avoiding his overbearing wife Dame. Children have no conception of the struggles and difficulties that go hand-in-hand with a relationship, yet adults experience it on a daily basis.

The next important theory I saw in analyzing the readings was that a moral lesson must be present in the stories in order to teach and give merit to the future generations. MacLeod explains that “developing moral character of children was the object of much anxious attention in the period.” A good character was foiled with a bad character, and children were to draw from these obvious traits to learn the importance of obedience and morality.

The coinciding moral lesson was in direct relation to the political and social climate of the time; therefore, in the examination of children’s literature it is vital to keep in mind what was going on in America. “Stories to tell to children varied with these changes in perspective,” Sanchez-Eppler explained in correlation to changing American attitudes. Evolving from a Calvinistic perspective to a Jacksonian perspective, the essential values taught to children changed and was reflected in writings.

Another main theory that Sanchez-Eppler discusses is that children are “objects of socialization: taught to conform to social expectations.” I think that this is very different from the moral undertones of the stories because this theory explains how children are seen as objects and are essentially manipulated into believing conventional views of Americans.

Finally, it is key in analyzing children to recognize the fact that childhood is a thread that connects all people together. Sanchez-Eppler said it best when she phrased it by saying —“young will become old, and old once young.” This helps explain the sentiment and nostalgia tied to the memory of childhood. The commonality makes these works timeless.