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THE MAIN GENRES OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE IN THE HISTORICAL AND
LITERARY PROCESS OF ENGLAND IN THE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURIES
Yusupova Hilola O’ktamovna
PhD, associate professor, Bukhara State Pedagogical Institution
Sobirova Gulasal Madat kizi
Master student, Asian International university
Annotation:
This article explores the main genres of children’s literature in England during the
19th and early 20th centuries. It examines how these genres evolved in response to the historical,
cultural, and social transformations of the period, including the impact of the Industrial
Revolution, the rise of the middle class, and the shifting perceptions of childhood. Key genres
discussed include fairy tales and fantasy, animal stories, adventure literature, moral and didactic
fiction, and realistic fiction. The article also highlights the role of illustrations in making
children’s books more engaging and accessible. Through detailed analysis, it shows how these
genres not only entertained but also served as tools for moral and educational instruction,
shaping young readers’ imaginations and values.
Keywords:
children’s literature, 19th century, early 20th century, England, historical context,
fairy tales, fantasy, animal stories, adventure literature, moral instruction, didactic fiction,
realistic fiction, illustrations, Victorian era, moral lessons, education, social change, childhood,
fantasy literature, literary genres, British Empire, childhood development.
Introduction
Children’s literature in England underwent significant transformation during the 19th and early
20th centuries. The period marked a major shift in how children’s books were written, reflecting
changes in society, education, and attitudes toward childhood itself. The genres that emerged
during this time were influenced by the historical, social, and cultural currents of the period,
which included the rise of the Victorian middle class, the expansion of the British Empire, and
the philosophical debates surrounding childhood education and moral development. This article
will explore the primary genres of children’s literature that defined the era, examining their
development, key authors, and the societal roles they played.
Historical Context of Children's Literature in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
The 19th century was a period of profound change in England, not least due to the Industrial
Revolution. As the country became more industrialized, social and economic shifts led to
changes in how childhood was viewed. In pre-industrial times, children were often seen as
miniature adults who contributed to the household through work. However, with urbanization,
the idea of childhood as a special, formative time for education and growth took hold. This
transformation gave rise to a growing market for children's literature that was both entertaining
and instructive.
Education reformers, such as Hannah More and Maria Edgeworth, championed the development
of literature specifically for children. Their works combined entertainment with moral and
educational content, setting the foundation for future children's books. Meanwhile, Victorian
society, with its strong moralistic tone, sought to instill values like duty, discipline, and respect
for authority. In this context, children's literature became a tool for molding the character of
young readers, while also providing them with stories that nurtured imagination and creativity.
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Fairy Tales and Fantasy
Fairy tales and fantasy stories for children gained significant popularity in the 19th century.
While fairy tales had existed for centuries in various cultures, they became a distinct genre in
England, largely through the influence of European traditions, especially those of the Brothers
Grimm. Their fairy tales, though German in origin, were widely circulated in England through
translations. These tales, often featuring magical elements, moral lessons, and fantastical
creatures, provided children with a window into worlds far removed from their own.
One of the most influential authors in the genre was George MacDonald, whose
The Princess
and the Goblin
(1872) blended elements of traditional fairy tales with a unique narrative style
that integrated fantasy with moral instruction. Lewis Carroll’s
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
(1865) further pushed the boundaries of the genre, introducing children to a nonsensical world
full of whimsy and paradox. Carroll’s exploration of themes such as identity, growth, and logic
had a lasting impact on how fantasy literature for children was viewed and appreciated.
Fairy tales and fantasy stories provided children with opportunities to explore complex themes in
an accessible way. Through magical worlds and adventures, young readers were able to confront
moral dilemmas and psychological growth, all within the safe confines of fiction.
Animal Stories
The 19th century also saw a rise in animal stories, where anthropomorphized animals acted as
main characters, often teaching children valuable life lessons. This genre proved especially
popular because it combined the innocence and appeal of animals with the moral structure of
children’s literature.
Beatrix Potter’s
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
(1902) is one of the most iconic works in this genre,
featuring a mischievous rabbit whose adventures teach children about the consequences of
disobedience. Similarly, Kenneth Grahame’s
The Wind in the Willows
(1908) is a more elaborate
and whimsical animal story, offering a deeper exploration of friendship, social responsibility,
and adventure through its cast of animal characters. These stories were particularly effective in
encouraging empathy and a sense of morality in young readers by allowing them to view human-
like qualities in animals.
Animal stories also allowed for an engaging exploration of nature and the environment, as well
as providing a comforting and relatable lens through which children could view the world.
Adventure and Exploration
As the British Empire expanded and exploration became more prominent in the national
consciousness, adventure stories for children began to flourish. These tales often centered on
distant, exotic lands and featured daring characters who embarked on journeys of discovery,
heroism, and survival. The genre of adventure literature captured the spirit of imperialism and
exploration, appealing to children’s sense of adventure and curiosity.
Robert Louis Stevenson’s
Treasure Island
(1883) remains one of the most famous adventure
stories for children, offering tales of pirates, treasure maps, and swashbuckling heroes. Similarly,
R.M. Ballantyne’s
The Coral Island
(1857) presented a romanticized vision of life on a remote
island, complete with encounters with indigenous people and the challenges of survival. These
stories were important in shaping children’s understanding of the world and their place in it, as
well as reinforcing values such as bravery, teamwork, and resourcefulness.
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Adventure stories were a way for children to vicariously experience the dangers and excitement
of the world beyond their immediate surroundings, all while imparting moral lessons about
courage, loyalty, and perseverance.
Moral and Didactic Literature
The Victorian period was heavily marked by its emphasis on moral instruction, and this
philosophy found expression in the growing genre of didactic children’s literature. These books
were created with the intent of teaching children the values of good behavior, proper manners,
and respect for authority.
One prominent author of this genre was Charlotte M. Yonge, whose
The Heir of Redclyffe
(1853)
combined an engaging narrative with strong moral lessons on duty and responsibility. Similarly,
Thomas Hughes’
Tom Brown’s School Days
(1857) depicted the experiences of a young boy at a
boarding school, highlighting themes of friendship, discipline, and social responsibility. Didactic
literature aimed to guide children toward proper conduct by presenting characters who faced
moral dilemmas and were rewarded for making virtuous choices.
These works also reflected the strong influence of Victorian ideals, which emphasized the
importance of education, respectability, and personal growth. By focusing on virtues such as
honesty, diligence, and perseverance, moral tales helped to shape the development of children’s
character and understanding of the world.
Realistic Fiction and Social Commentary
By the end of the 19th century, there was a growing trend towards realism in children’s literature.
Writers began to focus on depicting everyday life and the realities of childhood, often drawing
attention to social issues such as poverty, class inequality, and family dynamics. Realistic fiction
gave children a window into the lives of others, showing them characters who faced struggles
similar to their own.
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s
Little Lord Fauntleroy
(1886) is an excellent example of this genre,
as it tells the story of a poor boy who unexpectedly becomes the heir to a grand estate. The novel
explores themes of social class, wealth, and the importance of kindness and compassion. Another
notable work in this genre is E. Nesbit’s
The Railway Children
(1906), which tells the story of
three children who experience hardship and social change when their father is wrongly
imprisoned.
These works were significant in portraying the complexities of society and the challenges faced
by children, offering a more grounded and relatable form of literature compared to the more
fantastical genres.
The Role of Illustrations in 19th and Early 20th Century Children's Literature
Illustrations played an important role in children’s literature during this period. The rise of
illustrated books in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed to the growing popularity
of children’s literature by making books more visually appealing and accessible. Illustrators such
as Walter Crane and Arthur Rackham became household names, contributing illustrations to
some of the most beloved books of the time. These illustrations helped to bring stories to life,
enhancing the reading experience and deepening the connection between children and the stories
they were reading.
The combination of engaging text and beautiful illustrations allowed for a more immersive
reading experience and often added an extra layer of meaning to the story. Illustrations also
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played a significant role in reinforcing moral lessons and themes, as the images often depicted
key moments in the narrative that highlighted important messages.
Conclusion
Children’s literature in the 19th and early 20th centuries in England evolved as a direct reflection
of the changing social, cultural, and educational landscape. The genres that emerged during this
period—fairy tales, animal stories, adventure, moral and didactic works, and realistic fiction—
played an essential role in shaping the imaginations and values of young readers. These works
provided not only entertainment but also moral and educational guidance, while also offering
windows into different worlds, whether fantastical or real. The legacy of this period in children’s
literature continues to resonate in contemporary works, making it a pivotal chapter in the history
of children’s writing.
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