Deconstructing the hero : literary theory and children's literature - Hourihan, Margery, 1935- (London ; New York : Routledge, 1997)
-- 1. The Story. The power of the myth. Dualism and binary oppositions. The hero's point of view. The linear journey. Closure -- 2. The Hero. Race. Class and mastery. Gender. Age. Relationships. Rationality. Action and violence -- 3. The Wild Things. Dragons. Wolves and other beasts. Savages: 'human beasts'. Pirates, criminals and spies: 'white savages'. Ogres, darkness and shadows -- 4. The Women. Marginality and inferiorization. Mothers. Goddesses, fairy godmothers and others. Witches and bitches. Brides. Relationships -- 5. Rewriting the Story. Subverting the dualisms: gender. Subverting the dualisms: public and private space. Subverting the dualisms: civilization and wilderness. Denying dualism. Changing the point of view. Conclusions
Includes bibliographical references (pages 236-245) and index
Keywords: Children's literature -- History and criticism; Children -- Books and reading; Heroes in literature; Values in literature; Prejudices