Kidding Around: How humour can explore serious issues in children's literature

Abstract

Kidding Around-How Humour Can Explore Serious Issues in Children's Literature begins by investigating theories of humour generally. It considers humour's triggers and benefits before looking at its particular role in children's lives. After researching the literature on the leading psychological models for children's humour, it suggests that Wolfenstein's model of affective mastery best explains humour's role for children facing difficulties, and then studies four children's writers who use humour in issues stories. Finally the study considers how their work has influenced and informed the novel that forms the creative element of this submission.

Date of Award	Mar 2008
Original language	English
Supervisor	Philip Gross (Supervisor)