Violence in English children's and young adults' fiction

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Violence has long been a controversial topic in children's and young adults' literature criticism. This volume explores violence in English-language fiction for young audiences through literary and cultural studies. The twelve contributions reflect a diverse range of texts from the past 150 years, including works from R. M. Ballantyne and J. K. Rowling. The discussions encompass fairy tales, historical novels, adventure stories, and various forms of fantasy. Each contribution focuses on close textual analysis while connecting to broader contexts, such as ancient mythology and contemporary political discourses. The collected articles reveal that children's and young adults' fiction often portrays young characters as both victims and perpetrators of violence. Typically, the violent figures are 'the others,' against whom protagonists must defend themselves. Common motifs indicate that aggression is linked to a low state of civilization and a lack of intelligence. Conversely, some narratives acknowledge the inherent potential for violence within human nature, emphasizing self-control and responsible choices. The relationship between the stories and real-life challenges is metaphorical; violence in fantasy literature symbolizes the dangers of reality, with fighting representing young people's non-violent struggles for success. This analysis highlights the significant potential of children's and young adults' fiction, particular