The History of Juvenile Literature in Chile.

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Books; Childrens Literature; Elementary School Students; Fantasy; Fiction; Folk Culture; Legends; Literary Devices; Literary History; Literature

Although the Chilean child of the 19th century read the same things as the European child, he was also acquainted with the fairy tales of his native land. In 1912, Robert Lenz published collections of Chilean stories and stated that they were highly suitable as children's reading matter. Thus, Lenz laid the foundations for a native Chilean children's literature. His collections, and others made by prominent foklorists, inspired numerous publications. The tales of Blanca Santa Cruz, for instance, are written in a clear and pithy style and retain the formulae for openings ("There was once upon a time . . . once upon a time there was") and the "chacharachas" or "rhyming prattle" of the conclusions. Ernesto Montenegro combines his interest in foklore with his talents as a creative writer in the production of his superior collections. Looking toward the future, Antonio Acevedo Hernandez indicates that such adventures as the exploration of the Amazon River could also be used as the basis for young people's books. (JS)

1969

ED025496