The Rhetoric of Character in Children's Literature

Maria Nikolajeva author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Scarecrow Press

Published:1st Jan '02

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Rhetoric of Character in Children's Literature cover

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.

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 *
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 *

ISBN: 9780810848863

Dimensions: 215mm x 140mm x 25mm

Weight: 431g

344 pages