A brief overview on gender representation of monster animal characters in children's literature [Articol]

Abstract

This study investigates the representation of gender in monster animal characters in children’s literature from a comparative viewpoint. These non- human characters frequently embody culturally constructed gender norms. It is generally accepted that authors make deliberate and strategic choices in the construction of their characters. Currently, in particular, these choices often reflect a conscious effort to challenge and subvert traditional gender stereotypes. In this research we examine a corpus of English and Romanian children’s works covering various literary periods and genres with the aim of exploring the way gendered traits, roles and behaviours were assigned to non-human characters. Particular attention is given to linguistic indicators, visual characterisation and mechanisms through which gender identity is constructed. Additionally, we analyse the rate of occurrence of male vs female monster animal characters and male vs female pronouns. Particular attention is given to the ways translators trade off linguistic creativity, sound symbolism, naming conventions and cultural references associated with these characters.