Critical element: Anthropomorphism, humour and technology in children’s literature in the age of environmental crisis

: Creative element: Squirrels!

Abstract

This inquiry examines the relationship between anthropomorphism, humour and technology in certain examples of animal writing for children, introducing my own creative work as part of the debate. In the age of environmental disaster, it maps some of the conversation around children’s literature and anthropomorphism. This thesis explores whether it is possible to write animal characters in a responsible fashion given the shift away from seeing animals as ‘other’, to instead incorporating the recognition of the non-human as crucial in understanding, and thus saving, of the environment. I examine this shift in anthropomorphic writing, drawing on the work of Frans De Waal, ChenChen You and other advocates for anthropomorphism, arguing that it need not be seen as the antithesis to responsible writing for children. Though my title includes humour, this thesis does not attempt to analyse humour itself, but draws upon the work of Michael Branch and others who argue that silliness and humour hold an important place in children’s literature. Furthering this, I argue that writing ought not to fall into the trap of codifying the genre too steeply or creating easy binaries, such as between responsible and irresponsible animal writing, lest it limit the possibilities of fantasy and turn readers away with overly didactic plots and predictable characters. I include a rereading of Watership Down as an ecocritical text, as well as examining other, more modern examples of anthropomorphic writing. Finally, I touch on my own work, and consider the challenges of writing in an age of ever-accelerating technological change. Following the critical dissertation is the creative work of 20168 words.

Date of Award	6 Dec 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Mimi Thebo (Supervisor) & Michael Malay (Supervisor)