Child empowerment in children's literature.

Abstract

In a child’s world, obedience is a not altogether foreign word. Following instructions is common and failure to do so often seems to result in dire consequences. Adult authority and societal norms dictate actions, but in some of Brothers Grimm and Roald Dahl texts, we are presented with the idea of child empowerment and agency even when children are subjected to adult authority, can be achieved. An exploration of the various adult-child relationships in Brothers Grimm’s Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel and Roald Dahl’s Matilda and The Witches, will yield interesting similarities in their storytelling structure and character types, most importantly on how negative and benevolent adult influence actually provides the motivation for the child protagonist to embark on a journey of empowerment. At the end of the day, in spite of dominating adult authority, child empowerment is attainable if the child protagonist is determined enough and is aided by a benevolent adult figure and/or motivated under negative adult influence.