Critical Evaluative Essay
Historical Response to Pippi
When Astrid Lindgren’s daughter Karin, was sick, she asked her mother to tell her a story about Pippi Longstocking. The original name that she came up with was Pippilotta Viktualia Rullgardina Krusmynta Efraimsdotter Långstrump. So Astrid began to tell Karin stories about the odd little girl. In the spring of 1944, Astrid tripped and sprained her ankle. This forced her to stay off of her feet and so she used this time to work on writing stories about Pippi in hopes of gifting them to Karin for her tenth birthday.
As Astrid was trying to get the book published, she ran into some challenges regarding the storyline. In 1944, Gerhard Bonnier, from the Bonnier Publishing company, rejected the book saying, “Sugar on the floor and mayhem in the nursery - I just could not take that responsibility.” In 1945, Pippi Longstocking was introduced to the world. It was instantly successful, but it also attracted much negative attention and scandal. Pippi’s mischievous behavior and lack of parental supervision made parents and teachers nervous. Some even expressed their fear of society’s demoralization. They felt that Pippi’s rebellious character was a dangerous influence and that it would poison the minds of their children.
Author Astrid Lindgren was not interested in writing a perfect and pleasant story. She used writing as a tool to advocate for peace and democracy. Often, her work was publically debated. In many ways, she was ahead of her time. Her feminist ideals and mockery of adult culture offended many of the era. The 1940’s were a time when girls were expected to prim and proper. They spent their time embroidering, playing with dolls and obediently helping their mother with housework. Pippi lacked these qualities and seemed to fit in better with boys and adults. She was witty, blunt and confident. Pippi clashed with the Disney princess portrait. She was extremely independent and had no need for a prince charming. Pippi Longstocking and her radical ideals played a significant role in revolutionizing children’s literature worldwide.
The publication of Pippi Longstocking kept its publisher Rabén & Sjögren from going bankrupt. In 1947, as a result of her book’s success, the publishers hired Astrid Lindgren as a part-time children’s editor. Before this, writing children’s literature had been a profession of low-status. However, with the help of Astrid Lindgren, it was becoming an exciting, innovative field.
As Astrid was trying to get the book published, she ran into some challenges regarding the storyline. In 1944, Gerhard Bonnier, from the Bonnier Publishing company, rejected the book saying, “Sugar on the floor and mayhem in the nursery - I just could not take that responsibility.” In 1945, Pippi Longstocking was introduced to the world. It was instantly successful, but it also attracted much negative attention and scandal. Pippi’s mischievous behavior and lack of parental supervision made parents and teachers nervous. Some even expressed their fear of society’s demoralization. They felt that Pippi’s rebellious character was a dangerous influence and that it would poison the minds of their children.
Author Astrid Lindgren was not interested in writing a perfect and pleasant story. She used writing as a tool to advocate for peace and democracy. Often, her work was publically debated. In many ways, she was ahead of her time. Her feminist ideals and mockery of adult culture offended many of the era. The 1940’s were a time when girls were expected to prim and proper. They spent their time embroidering, playing with dolls and obediently helping their mother with housework. Pippi lacked these qualities and seemed to fit in better with boys and adults. She was witty, blunt and confident. Pippi clashed with the Disney princess portrait. She was extremely independent and had no need for a prince charming. Pippi Longstocking and her radical ideals played a significant role in revolutionizing children’s literature worldwide.
The publication of Pippi Longstocking kept its publisher Rabén & Sjögren from going bankrupt. In 1947, as a result of her book’s success, the publishers hired Astrid Lindgren as a part-time children’s editor. Before this, writing children’s literature had been a profession of low-status. However, with the help of Astrid Lindgren, it was becoming an exciting, innovative field.
Today's Response to Pippi
Not only has Pippi become a familiar icon in it’s native Scandinavia, but her story has also been embraced around the globe. Pippi has now been translated into over 70 languages worldwide. The stories of this unconventional, red-haired nine year old are recognized and enjoyed by those of various social classes and cultures. Children admire her bravery and appreciate her idiosyncrasies. Pippi’s appealing personality and exciting adventures capture the attention of kids, no matter what their nationality is. Every child understands the frustrations of childhood. Reading Pippi’s story can be a refreshing escape from the restrictions of a juvenile life.
In today’s society, strong female characters are not as taboo in children’s literature as they once were. Heroines such as Robert Munsch’s Paper Bag Princess, Scott O’Dell’s Karana in “Island of the Blue Dolphins”, or J. K. Rowling’s Hermione are just of few of many powerful female literary characters. The distinctions between female and male roles have become much more blurred throughout many cultures around the world. Yet, many find it just as exciting and refreshing to find a story showcasing a strong, resourceful female. Pippi’s resilient character can be appreciated by both boys and girls and the fact that she is a young child adds even more appeal for a young audience.
However, it’s not only Pippi’s nontraditional gender qualities that make her unique. Her quirky nature, rebellious escapades and lack of concern for authority set her up to be a fascinating personality. Also, in contrast with her sometimes careless behavior, her love for animals is comforting. Pippi treats her pet horse and monkey as if they were family.
As Author Stieg Larsson explained, Pippi may have very likely grown up to be a dysfunctional adult who has trouble getting along in society. However, Pippi's childish ways are still relevant and endearing to both the young and the old and Astrid Lindgren's legacy of the beloved character will continue to live on. Pippi Longstocking is a timeless tale that is appreciated throughout many generations and cultures.
In today’s society, strong female characters are not as taboo in children’s literature as they once were. Heroines such as Robert Munsch’s Paper Bag Princess, Scott O’Dell’s Karana in “Island of the Blue Dolphins”, or J. K. Rowling’s Hermione are just of few of many powerful female literary characters. The distinctions between female and male roles have become much more blurred throughout many cultures around the world. Yet, many find it just as exciting and refreshing to find a story showcasing a strong, resourceful female. Pippi’s resilient character can be appreciated by both boys and girls and the fact that she is a young child adds even more appeal for a young audience.
However, it’s not only Pippi’s nontraditional gender qualities that make her unique. Her quirky nature, rebellious escapades and lack of concern for authority set her up to be a fascinating personality. Also, in contrast with her sometimes careless behavior, her love for animals is comforting. Pippi treats her pet horse and monkey as if they were family.
As Author Stieg Larsson explained, Pippi may have very likely grown up to be a dysfunctional adult who has trouble getting along in society. However, Pippi's childish ways are still relevant and endearing to both the young and the old and Astrid Lindgren's legacy of the beloved character will continue to live on. Pippi Longstocking is a timeless tale that is appreciated throughout many generations and cultures.