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DEPICTION OF VIOLENCE IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
NIVEDITHA C LOBO
Abstract:
Violence has played a role in children’s literature, but in recent years there have been questions asked about the need for depiction of violence in children’s literature. This is seen in the decision of modern storytellers to modify the dreadful parts of classic fairy tales to make them more appealingto modern readers. The question that one may ask however is would modifying or removing violence from children’s literature make it higher quality literature? Many scholars differ and state that violence, if used appropriately, has its place in some children’s books. They are of the opinion that violent literature is often not to blame for violent behaviour in children; rather, the inclusion of violence in quality literature can create positive influences in children’s lives. Children are often naturally drawn to stories with violence in them. Many can relate to violent situations portrayed in children’s stories, and, when used effectively, these situations can be used to teach children how to avoid violent resolutions in their own lives.