'Creaturely life': biopolitical intensity in selected children's fables

Book chapter

de Rijke, V. 2014. 'Creaturely life': biopolitical intensity in selected children's fables. in: Keyes, M. and McGillicuddy, Á. (ed.) Politics and Ideology in Children's Literature Dublin Four Courts Press.
Chapter title'Creaturely life': biopolitical intensity in selected children's fables
Authorsde Rijke, V.
Abstract

This essay aims to explore ‘creaturely life’ in relation to the ‘creativity and criticality’ of the fable genre and argues for its special relationship to biopolitical intensity; an (often unconscious) relationship of children’s literature to the symbolic order cracking under political pressure. Citing a number of classic and contemporary works of children’s literature and culminating in a work of animation, it is evident some fables suggestive of class struggle and revolution may be smoothed over or de-radicalized in children’s literature. This chapter argues for children’s literature tuning to a more radical key.

Book titlePolitics and Ideology in Children's Literature
EditorsKeyes, M. and McGillicuddy, Á.
PublisherFour Courts Press
Place of publicationDublin
SeriesStudies in Children's Literature
ISBN
Hardcover9781846825262
Publication dates
Print31 Aug 2014
Publication process dates
Deposited12 Apr 2016
Accepted01 Jan 2013
Output statusPublished
Copyright Statement

Last draft copy before publication.
Copyright held by Four Courts Press.
Access to full text restricted pending copyright check

Web address (URL)https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/2014/politics-and-ideology-in-childrens-literature/
LanguageEnglish
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