The Rhetoric of Character in Children's Literature

(Paperback)

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Description

Now available in paperback! Until now, there was no theoretical research of character in children's fiction and very few comprehensive theoretical studies of literary characters in general. In her latest intellectual foray, the author of From Mythic to Linear ponders the art of characterization. Through a variety of critical perspectives, she uncovers the essential differences between story ("what we are told") and discourse ("how we are told"), and carefully distinguishes between how these are employed in children's fiction and in general fiction. Yet another masterful work by a leading figure in contemporary criticism.

Reviews

One of the most scholarly treatments of children's literature available, this book makes a significant contribution to both the examination of children's literature and the theoretical study of literary character. It excels brilliantly on both levels. Accessible, free from jargon, and thoroughly usable, the book will be useful both to those used to more traditional discussions of static or flat character and to those more comfortable with the newer language of intersubjective character construction. Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above. * Choice Reviews *
As always, Nikolajeva's familiarity with a wide range of international literary theory and children's literature is apparent...a welcome survey of the literature and a starting place for future studies of aspects of character that have only been touched on here. * Children's Literature *
This study will be of greatest use in academic libraries and public libraries that support courses in children's literature at the undergraduate and graduate levels. * School Library Journal *

Author Bio

Maria Nikolajeva is Professor of Comparative Literature at Stockholm University in Stockholm, Sweden. She was the president of the International Research Society for Children's Literature 1993-97. She has also been member of the North American Children's Literature Association since 1985 and has served on its International Committee. In addition to being the author and editor of several books on children's literature, she is one of the senior editors of the forthcoming Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature.