Kształcenie postaw wobec zwierząt w XIX-wiecznej literaturze dla dzieci i młodzieży
Shaping attitudes to animals in 19th century children’s and youth literature

Summary/Abstract: Despite the continued tendency of 19th century literature to use traditional fables with animalcharacters to reveal human virtues and vices, there rapidly grew up a movement of literaturefor young people whose only aim was to cultivate moral attitudes towards animals. By meansof various literary genres, the younger generation was educated to achieve a sensitivitytowards the pain and suffering of animals. Learning about the consequences of cruelty, youngreaders were taught to avoid maltreating animals. Literature prompted compassion in theyoung readers. Not only were particular examples condemned – of cruelty, beating, abuse –but the moral consequences of these violations were demonstrated. Following ImmanuelKant, it was assumed that harming animals weakens our moral sensitivity, which leads toa person becoming cruel not only towards animals but towards people as well.

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