The Wind in the Willows, written during the Golden Age of Children's Literature in the latter half of the 19th century, reflects the changing ideas about children during this period. In this era, there was a significant shift in the perception of children, viewing them as individuals in need of moral instruction and guidance. Childhood was reimagined as a time of innocence and wonder, in which play and imagination were valued as essential parts of development.
During this time, there was also an emphasis on connecting children with nature. Nature was seen as a source of purity and inspiration, offering a nurturing and educational environment for children to explore and learn from. The Wind in the Willows aligns with this trend by presenting a world where animal characters interact with nature, engaging in imaginative play and experiencing adventures that are shaped by their encounters with the natural world.
The Wind in the Willows can also be classified as a work of fantasy. As a fantasy novel, The Wind in the Willows presents a departure from reality by introducing elements of magic, imagination, and extraordinary settings. It captures the essence of fantasy by blending the natural world with fantastical elements, inviting readers to embark on a whimsical journey through a world where animals are capable of human-like thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The novel features anthropomorphized animal characters, which is characteristic of the fantasy genre. This anthropomorphization allows for imaginative storytelling and creates a sense of wonder and enchantment. It invites readers to suspend their disbelief and enter a realm where animals possess human-like traits, opening up possibilities for extraordinary adventures and interactions. This aligns with the fantasy genre and contributes to the magical and imaginative nature of the novel.
