We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The Body of the Antagonist in Current Spanish Novels for Children and Young Adults.
- Authors
Viro, Ignacio Ceballos; Hernández, Araceli; Llergo, Eva; Crespo, Sonia
- Abstract
This article examines the bodies of antagonists in Spanish award-winning children's and young adult novels between 2018 and 2020. Qualitative analysis using software was used to categorise antagonists' physical descriptions and identify common types and characteristics. There are attractive antagonists with pleasant physical appearances that conceal an inner malevolence, while others adhere more closely to the traditional prototype with physically unattractive features beyond normative standards of beauty. The predominance of male bodies as antagonists is highlighted, reflecting cultural stereotypes of violence and aggression associated with masculinity. In addition, common features such as reddish hair, facial hair, a penetrating gaze, and a smile that anticipates malice are observed. Although expected features such as androidisation are not evident, the analysis shows how cultural processes of physical normalisation are either reinforced or challenged.
- Subjects
PHYSICAL characteristics (Human body); SPANISH young adult literature; SPANISH children's literature; GAZE; PERSONAL beauty; 21ST century (Literary period)
- Publication
International Research in Children's Literature, 2024, Vol 17, Issue 2, p203
- ISSN
1755-6198
- Publication type
Literary Criticism
- DOI
10.3366/ircl.2024.0564