Anthropomorphic Animal Behaviour and Communication in Beatrix Potter's Tales

Abstract

In this thesis, I argue that anthropomorphism in Beatrix Potter’s tales has a positive impact on children. It not only teaches moral lessons to them about life, but also calls their attention to the similarities and differences between human and nonhuman animals, which generates empathy towards the actual animal species. Thus, based on the selected tales that I analysed, I came to the conclusion that with the help of anthropomorphism, children are able to recognise the value of the lives and everyday struggles of real-life animals, which generates further awareness, moral responsibility and care for them.