Beheading Quote by Martin Gardner
““Her constant orders for beheading are shocking to those modern critics of children's literature who feel that juvenile fiction should be free of all violence and especially violence with Freudian undertones. Even the Oz books of L. Frank Baum, so singularly free of the horrors to be found in Grimm and Andersen, contain many scenes of decapitation. As far as I know, there have been no empirical studies of how children react to such scenes and what harm if any is done to their psyche. My guess is that the normal child finds it all very amusing and is not damaged in the least, but that books like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz should not be allowed to circulate indiscriminately among adults who are undergoing analysis.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of Violence in Children's Literature, 1992
Violent content in children's books may be harmless or harmful; evidence is lacking, but caution is advised.
In simple terms: Violence in kids' books is debated.
Key Takeaway
Consider impact of violent themes.
Themes
literature
violence
child development
media criticism
psychology
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- publishing
- mental health research
Key Concepts
censorship
cognitive impact
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- Should classic tales be edited for modern audiences?
- What research is needed on children's reaction to violence?
A Different Perspective
Cultural standards vary, making universal rules tough.
