Waarom moet elke volwassene kinderboeken lezen?

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker explores the enduring value of children's literature for adults. Highlighting works like 'Harry Potter' and 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,' the speaker delves into themes of literary complexity, nostalgia, and societal relevance. Through the lens of children's books, adults can rediscover joy, engage in societal debates, and uncover deeper layers of meaning. The talk encourages adults to embrace the wisdom and values embedded in children's literature, emphasizing its universal appeal across all ages.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adults reading children's books is a valuable experience that should be embraced, providing both enjoyment and insight into literary quality.
• 😀 In 2000, a debate arose about adults reading children's books, sparked by Harold Bloom's critique of the success of 'Harry Potter' among adult readers.
• 😀 Adults read children's literature for various reasons, including the joy of reading adventurous, imaginative stories and the literary value that can appeal to both children and adults.
• 😀 Children's books often contain a 'double address', meaning they are enjoyable and meaningful for both children and adults, with deeper layers that only adults may fully appreciate.
• 😀 Classic children's literature, such as 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Wind in the Willows,' offers complexity that even critics like Harold Bloom admitted could be engaging for adults.
• 😀 C.S. Lewis believed that good children's books should also be enjoyable for adults, reflecting the idea that they should meet a higher standard of quality.
• 😀 Nostalgia plays a role in why adults return to children's books, as they seek to relive the experience of reading these books as children or share them with the next generation.
• 😀 A study by Alison Waller showed that when adults reread books they enjoyed as children, they often forget or misremember key passages, highlighting how reading experiences change over time.
• 😀 Children's books often contain societal commentary, with examples like J.K. Rowling using 'Harry Potter' to critique corporal punishment in British schools.
• 😀 Illustrators in children's books, such as Tom Schamp, use visual elements that engage both children and adults, offering layers of meaning that depend on the reader's level of knowledge and experience.

Q & A

Why did Harold Bloom criticize the popularity of 'Harry Potter' among adults?

Harold Bloom, a literary critic, criticized the popularity of 'Harry Potter' among adults because he viewed it as a sign of societal infantilization. He believed that the success of the series among adults indicated a decline in the intellectual rigor of literature.

What is meant by 'double addressee' in children's literature?

'Double addressee' refers to the layers in children's books that are accessible to both children and adults. While the book may be primarily directed at children, it often contains deeper meanings, references, or allegories that adults can understand based on their life experience and knowledge.

Why do adults sometimes enjoy reading children's books?

Adults enjoy reading children's books for several reasons: the joy of reading, nostalgia for childhood experiences, and the opportunity to escape reality. Additionally, these books often contain literary and moral lessons that resonate with adults, offering new insights as they revisit them with more life experience.

How does 'Alice in Wonderland' relate to the concept of complexity in children's literature?

'Alice in Wonderland' is considered a classic that demonstrates complexity in children's literature. Although it's a children's book, it contains intricate language, philosophical ideas, and allegories that adults can appreciate, showing that children's books can have layers of meaning.

What does C.S. Lewis argue about the quality of children's books?

C.S. Lewis argued that a children's book that is only appreciated by children is not a good book. He believed that great children's books should also appeal to adults, as they should contain universal themes and values that can be appreciated at different ages.

What role does nostalgia play in adults' enjoyment of children's books?

Nostalgia plays a significant role in adults' enjoyment of children's books. When adults revisit books they loved as children, they often seek to relive the joy and wonder they felt at that time. This desire to reconnect with past experiences contributes to their continued interest in these books.

How does 'Harry Potter' integrate allegorical elements for adult readers?

'Harry Potter' includes allegorical elements, such as references to mythology, literature, and societal debates. For example, the character of Professor Umbridge is an embodiment of the debate on corporal punishment, which resonates with adult readers who are familiar with the real-world issues surrounding it.

What is the significance of illustrations in children's books, particularly for adults?

Illustrations in children's books offer a unique aesthetic experience that appeals to both children and adults. Adults, in particular, enjoy the combination of text and image, as it brings a level of complexity and visual storytelling that is rare in adult literature. This visual aspect adds layers of meaning and enhances the reading experience.

How do children's books often address societal issues?

Children's books often address societal issues by incorporating subtle critiques or reflections on real-world problems. For example, Tom Schamp’s books contain ironic references to societal debates, such as environmental concerns related to corporations like Shell, making them relevant to adult readers who can interpret these deeper layers.

What is one of the educational values found in children's books for adults?

One key educational value in children's books for adults is the portrayal of desirable behaviors and values, such as the contrast between good and bad examples in parenting or moral choices. For instance, in 'Harry Potter', the Weasley family represents ideal values of love and respect, while the Dursleys show negative examples of overindulgence and poor parenting.