THE LITERARY CONSTRUCTION OF CHILDHOOD IN CLASSICAL AND MODERN ENGLISH NOVELLAS

Аннотация

This paper examines the evolving portrayal of childhood in English novellas, contrasting representations in classical and modern periods. Through an analysis of key literary works, it explores how societal shifts, evolving understandings of child development, and changing narrative techniques have shaped the depiction of children. The study analyzes themes such as innocence, vulnerability, agency, and the impact of societal structures on childhood experiences. By comparing and contrasting these representations, this research aims to illuminate thechanging cultural perspectives onchildren and theirplace within theliterary landscape. Keywords:Childhood, English Novella, Classical Literature, Modern Literature, Representation, Innocence, Vulnerability, Agency, Societal Structures. 1.Introduction: The image of a child in literature serves as a powerful lens through which to understand societal values, anxieties, and aspirations. Over time, the depiction of childhood has undergone significant transformations, reflecting evolving cultural understandings of child development, family dynamics, and the role of children within society. This paper focuses on the representation of children in English novellas, a literary form that, due to its length and focus, often allows for a more concentrated and nuanced exploration of character and theme. By examining both classical and modern English novellas, we can trace the shifting perspectives on childhood and the factors that have influenced these portrayals. Classical English novellas, often written during periods of significant social and economic change, frequently presented children within specific societal frameworks, often emphasizing their innocence, vulnerability, and dependence on adult figures. These narratives often reflected prevailing religious and moral beliefs, shaping howchildhood was perceived and depicted. In contrast, modern English novellas, influenced by advancements in psychology, changing family structures, and a greater awareness of children's rights, tend to offer more complex and multifaceted portrayals of childhood, exploring themes ofagency, resilience, and theimpact of societal pressures onyoung lives. This study aims to analyze key examples of English novellas from both periods, identifying recurring themes and contrasting representations of children. We will explore how narrative techniques, characterization, and the broader socio-historical context contribute to the distinct portrayals of childhood in these literary works. By undertaking this comparative analysis, we seek to understand the evolution of cultural perceptions of children and the enduring significance ofchildhood withinthe literary imagination. https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue2,2025 306 2.Literature Review: The study of childhood in literature is a well-established field, with numerous scholars exploring thehistorical and cultural shifts in howchildren have been represented. Early critical works often focused on the didactic and moralistic portrayals of children in literature, particularly during the Victorian era. Studies by Aries (1962), in his seminal work Centuries of Childhood, provided a foundational understanding of the historical construction of childhood as a distinct social category. Aries argued that the concept of childhood as a separate and protected stage of life emerged relatively late in history, influencing how children were perceived and depicted in literature. Later scholarship, such as that by Pollock (1983) in Forgotten Children: Parent-Child Relations from 1500 to 1900, further explored the historical realities of childhood, highlighting the often harsh conditions and lack of specific protection afforded to children in earlier periods. These historical perspectives provide a crucial context for understanding the representations of children in classical English novellas. In the realm of literary analysis, critics have examined the specific ways in which children are used as symbolic figures and narrative devices. Works by Jackson (1985), in Fantasy: The Literature of Subversion, discuss how children often represent innocence and vulnerability, serving as catalysts for moral exploration and social commentary. Rose (1984), in The Case of Peter Pan: The Impossibility of Children's Fiction, explores the complexities of portraying childhood in literature, highlighting the tension between idealized notions and the realities of growing up. More recent scholarship has focused on the agency and subjectivity of children in literature, moving beyond simplistic portrayals of innocence and dependence. Studies by West (2000), in Children's Literature and Culture, examine how children's literature, including novellas, can reflect and shape children's own understandings of the world and their place within it. Nikolajeva (2005), in The Rhetoric of Children's Literature, analyzes the narrative strategies employed in children's literature and how they construct di