Bibliotherapy of children affected by war by means of fantasy literature

Abstract

The aim of this study is to highlight the aspect of bibliotherapy in helping children and young people affected by war. The study consists of an analysis of selected texts, extracted from fantasy literature, which are helpful in trauma overcoming. The author briefly analyses The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950) by Clive Staples Lewis, Harry Potter (1997-2007) by Joanne Kathleen Rowling, The Witcher (1992-1999) by Andrzej Sapkowski. The Hunger Games (2008-2010) by Suzanne Collins and Shadow and Bone (2012) by Leigh Bardugo. It is assumed the use of reading books to regenerate the nervous system and psyche of a traumatized person.

The research method is content analysis and modeling working with the text. The author draws attention not only to the implication of fantasy literature in helping to unravel one's own moral problems, but also to experience and cope with the difficult emotions that accompany reading. Additionally, she to take notice of such ways to work with text as: the possibility of understanding one's situation, gaining distance from difficult affairs, working through the problem, changing one's way of thinking and gaining hope for a better future.

Results. The author is particularly attentive to the young reader's identification with the main character, experiencing emotions and ultimately experiencing catharsis, which symbolises the shedding of emotional tension. All this leads to insight, full understanding and acceptance of a difficult situation.

Conclusions of the study are intended to confirm that fantasy literature is able to stimulate reflection, help people understand and accept the difficult situations associated with war. Although the world created by the writers is a fantasy place, there are mechanisms familiar to our world such as violence, pain, suffering and the contest between good and evil. The young reader can be equipped with tools to help win over traumas.