Tales of Talking Rabbits and Dressed up Chimps: The normalisation of anthropomorphism in children’s nineteenth century literature

This study explores the use of anthropomorphism within nineteenth century children’s literature, analysing evolving societal attitudes towards the treatment of animals and their contribution to the rise and success of anthropomorphic illustrations. This thesis has devised a system of classification to differentiate the varying levels of anthropomorphism applied to animal characters which shall be used when discussing anthropomorphic illustrations. Evolving social and political attitudes during the nineteenth century shall be assessed as these changes were reflected in the changing perception of the animal within society. Nineteenth century Parisian treatment of the animal shall also be evaluated to provide an insight into emerging animal protection laws abroad. The anthropomorphic work of Alfred Barbou, a French nineteenth century pet care author, shall be discussed as he applies anthropomorphism to his illustrations as a means of garnering sympathy for the dog.

The nineteenth century witnessed the emergence of the anthropomorphic animal tale. The varying levels of anthropomorphism within children’s literature shall be assessed when discussing the works of Victorian authors and/or illustrators Sarah Trimmer, Harrison Weir and Beatrix Potter, each of which achieve huge success as a result of their illustrative anthropomorphised characters.