REPRESENTATION OF THE BASQUE CONFLICT IN THREE BOOKS OF BASQUE LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to analyse how the Basque conflict is represented in Basque Literature for Children. Three works of modern children’s literature have been examined: Harri barruko bihotz-borrokak [Inner conflicts of the stones] (1999), Txakurraren alaba [The dog’s daughter] (2000) and Pikolo (2008)1. First of all, the article gives a brief summary of the book and offers a review of its critical reception. Secondly, the narratological analysis is given, setting the scene, explaining the role of the narrator and introducing the main characters. Next, following some concepts from the field of Memory Studies, the representation of the historical context of the work is examined, exploring realms of memory, type of memory transmitted and intertextuality. As will be seen, children’s literature has also addressed the recovery of the Basque conflict, with a specific genre and narrative characteristics, such as a young narrator and protagonist, use of the first person and inner focalisation.