Dieren lezen in hedendaags proza voor jong en oud: Antropomorfisme versus anthropodenial

Abstract

In the field of animal studies, there has been an ongoing tradition of critique of anthropomorphism in (literary) representations of animals. To some extent, this critique is understandable: in order to emancipate the animal, this form of human appropriation should be questioned. However, the dangers of anthropomorphism have been qualified by scholars who point out that not anthropomorphism, but rather anthrophodenial – the a priori rejection of any similarities between humans and animals – might hinder an inclusive ecology in which humans and animals are interconnected. In this article, we illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of both anthropomorphism and anthropodenial through an interpretation of five contemporary Dutch literary texts – two children’s books and three novels – in which animals play an important role. Specifically, we analyze stories revolving around a relationship between a human character and a dog as a companion species. Focusing on the ontological, political and narrative dimensions of these stories, we analyze, respectively: to what extent they suggest a binary opposition between human and non-human beings; how they reflect relations of power; and which narrative techniques are employed to represent animals.