Philosophy of Values in Writers of Children's Literature : Dahl, Naguib, and White

Abstract

Children's literature has never been an isolated activity. It is always preoccupied with society in pa1ticular and humanity in general in its concem with the young, consequently, it keeps alive a sense of nationality as well as a sense of humanity. It is not just stories, but it actually reflects what the people in each society value most. Unfortunately, children learn such values and . take them for !,l'fanted because this is the way things happen in the story they read. Therefore, it is important to explore and develop children's critical thinking through literature and it is time for philosophical questions to be raised and recognized as a legitimate field of inquiry in children's literature.

The !hesis auns at exammmg the role children's literature may play helping children acquire or abandon social, personal and aesthetic values which will be considered from a philosophical point of view. Since children are brought up to fit in the values dominating their cultures, the thesis is also a study of the works of three children writers representing different cultures to examine the codes of values cherished by each and their impact on children. The writers chosen for the study are : the British Roald Dahl (1916-1990), the American Brooks Elwyn White (I 899-1985) and the E!,ryptian Aluned Naguib (I928- ). They are chosen as they all write for the same age group 9:12 which is the subject of this study. They are also similar in using animal stories and fantasy as appealing teclmical devices to children.

The thesis consists of a preface, four chapters and a conclusion.