Reinventing the Link Between Education and the Nation via Imagination and Emotions: The National Literacy of The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

Johannes Westberg*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

34 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This chapter explores the concept of national literacy and its application in the context of Selma Lagerlöf’s highly successful reader, The Wonderful Adventures of Nils. Lagerlöf’s book serves as an illustrative example of the potential of national literacy in the history of education in two respects. Firstly, it highlights the role of modern school systems in shaping national literacy. Lagerlöf’s book was a product of ongoing efforts to reform the Swedish primary school system, serving as both a tool for educational improvement and a primer that fulfilled local school districts’ needs. Secondly, the chapter delves into the multidimensionality of national literacy. Lagerlöf’s intention was not merely to impart knowledge about Sweden but to engage children’s imagination and emotions through the genre of a fairy tale. Her aim was to foster a new generation of school children who could identify with the book’s characters and experience the themes explored, cultivating both an understanding and an emotional connection to national symbols. By reimagining the link between education and the nation, Lagerlöf sought to create an emotional literacy that extended beyond factual knowledge. The concept of national literacy proves valuable for further research into such educational efforts.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNational Literacies in Education
Subtitle of host publicationHistorical Studies in Education
EditorsBoser Lukas, Stephanie Fox
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherPalgrave MacMillan
Pages95-110
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-41762-7
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-41761-0, 978-3-031-41764-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24-Nov-2023

Publication series

NameHistorical Studies in Education
PublisherSpringer
ISSN (Print)2945-7173
ISSN (Electronic)2945-7181

Keywords

  • history of education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reinventing the Link Between Education and the Nation via Imagination and Emotions: The National Literacy of The Wonderful Adventures of Nils'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this