THE USE OF ANIMAL CHARACTERS IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: A STUDY OF THEIR SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT ON READERS
Abstract
Purpose of Study: This study explored the symbolic meaning behind the use of animal characters in children's literature and the ways in which they can shape children's perceptions of themselves, others, and the world around them. Examining how visual rhetoric enhances understanding of children’s literature, especially in an African context like Ghana as such, this study sought to further explore how children interpret images by applying Sonja Foss’s concept theory on Who Told the Most Incredible Story.
Methodology: Through a close and content analysis of selected texts, this study aims to shed light on the power of animal characters to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that is accessible and relatable to young readers. By examining the relationship between animal characters and their human counterparts, this study explored how animal characters can serve as powerful metaphors for human experience, illuminating the struggles, triumphs, and contradictions that define our lives. Ultimately, this study sought to deepen our understanding of animal characters' role in shaping young readers' imaginations and worldviews and to highlight the enduring appeal of these beloved literary figures.
Keywords: Symbolic, Animal, Character, Perception, Children, Literature
References
Gee, J. P. (2003). What video games have to teach us about learning and literacy. Computers in Entertainment (CIE), 1(1), 20-20.
Guthrie, J. T., Van Meter, P., McCann, A. D., Wigfield, A., Bennett, L., Poundstone, C. C., Rice, M. E., Faibisch, F. M., Hunt, B. and Mitchell, A. M. (1996). Growth of literacy engagement: changes in motivations and strategies during concept-orientated reading instruction. Reading Research Quarterly, 31(3), 306−331.
Hart, J. (1976). Three approaches to human, non-mediated, problematic, verbal interchanges., 30(2), 289-305.
Livingstone, G., & Brown, A. (2017). Intermarriage in the US: 50 years after loving
O’Halloran, K. (2004). Multimodal discourse analysis: systemic functional perspectives. London: Continuum.
Richard, M. & Gripe L (2000). Literature as exploration. New York: Modern Language Association.
Virginia (pp. 1-35). Washington, DC: Pew Research Center.
Wyse, S. (2011) What is the difference between qualitative research and quantitative Research?
