THEMES OF CHILDHOOD LITERATURE

Throughout 19th century children’s literature we as adults see various theories that are further developed. Even though we may never fully understand exactly how children see the world, through children’s literature we can help draw out some conclusion when analyzing the essence of children. I have drawn out five theories in which I believe are most important throughout the readings.
The first theory I believe to be one of the most important theories is that in all children’s literature there is always a moral to the story or a lesson that is taught. In most of the lessons that are presented in children’s literature the lessons tend to be based on some sort of good behavior. In other words trying to non-intentionally persuade children to stay on the right track and do what is right in life. In “Children’s Literature for a New Nation,” the author Macleod states that children’s literature is “…written to teach, and specifically, to teach morality. All Americans of the period agreed that a high level of individual morality was indispensible if the promise of the nations future was to be fulfilled.” During this time and even now adults agreed that moral behavior was one of the most important traits a child could develop.
Secondly, the theory of children being able to express their creativity and imagination is seen through children’s literature. By allowing a child to fully express his or her own ideas either on paper or through a book is an important concept in a child becoming his or her own person. We see throughout children’s literature there is always a point in the story where a child could have their own ideas of what is going on. In Sanchez-Eppler’s “Dependent State: The Child’s Part in the Ninetieth Century American Culture,” he states how “…childhood is increasingly praised for embodying what is best about the literary-imaginative freedom.”
Thirdly, the theory that was emphasized in both of these stories was how important it was for children to love and care for their family. We see the importance of family is in a lot of children’s literature. In Sanchez-Eppler’s “Dependent State: The Child’s Part in the Ninetieth Century American Culture,” he states that children need to be trained or taught by their family members. Also that “The love of children inside the family might serve as a mode of social control.” When children are loved at home they are most likely going to show this loving nature to other people in the real world.
Another theme that we see in children’s literature is the theme that children should be nice and humble. Children should not rely on material things nor should they be selfish. Children should appreciate what they have rather then what they want. We see this among various types of children literature. In Macleod’s “Children Literature for a New Nation” he states that, “…wealth could never insure contentment.” Children are taught that it is not only money that matters in life, it’s the love you find within people or something you love doing. Money is only a material thing that may not always lead to happiness.
My last theme that was apparent throughout both the readings was that children should be obedient to their elders. Obedience was taught through children’s literature at an early age so that children would understand to always follow their parent’s rules and act responsibly. In “Children’s Literature for A New Nation” Macleod states "Obedience was the most fundamental virtue for a child to acquire" During this time period a child obedience was extremely important among parents and elders.