Psychoanalytic Critique of Gougou Books for Children by Patrick Ringgneberg

Since the purpose of children's literature is to establish an effective communication with children, in order to study this literature, one must first study and define the nature of this communication. The language and images of Gougou's stories are symbolic and convey a child-friendly sense of beauty. Symbolism in children's stories is so important because the author can use symbols to instill concepts in children’s minds. But, the main issue is to know how imagination and symbols can reduce child’s stresses, worries, fears, and to show him the right behavior and action in facing such feelings. This prompted the authors of the present paper to study the symbolism of Gougou’s stories by examining the psychological impact of these stories on children's minds, according to analysis of Young and Betelheim. It seems that symbols and concepts in these stories are taken from myths and archetypes which have inspired the author's imagination.