The Importance of Middle Grade Lame Protagonists in WW2 Literature
World War II literature has always been a popular genre, and for good reason. It's a fascinating period in history, full of drama, danger, and heroism. But while many stories focus on the brave and heroic soldiers who fought in the war, there's another important perspective that often gets overlooked: the experiences of the civilians who lived through it. And in particular, the experiences of children.
The Role of the Lame Protagonist
One of the most powerful ways to tell these stories is through the eyes of a child protagonist. But not just any child protagonist - a lame one. Someone who is physically disabled, weak, or otherwise vulnerable. This might seem counterintuitive - after all, we often associate stories of war with strength and heroism. But a lame protagonist can bring a unique perspective to the story, one that highlights the true cost of war, both physical and emotional.
For one thing, a lame protagonist is often underestimated by others. They may be seen as weak or helpless, and dismissed as unimportant. This can be frustrating for the protagonist, but it also allows them to observe and understand the world around them in a way that others cannot. They may notice details that others miss, or pick up on subtle changes in their environment that hint at the dangers to come.
Examples of Lame Protagonists in WW2 Literature
There are many examples of lame protagonists in WW2 literature, from classics like The Diary of Anne Frank to more recent works like The Book Thief. In each case, the protagonist's disability serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader themes of the book.
In Morris Gleitzman's Once, for example, the protagonist Felix is a young Jewish boy who is separated from his parents during the war. He is physically weak and often underestimated by those around him, but he uses his disability to his advantage, using his small size and agility to evade capture and find safety.
In The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, the protagonist Bruno is a young German boy who befriends a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. Bruno's innocence and naivete are highlighted by his lack of understanding of the atrocities happening around him. But his disability - he has a weak leg - also serves as a metaphor for the moral weakness of the adults around him, who are complicit in the horrors of the Holocaust.
The Importance of Representation
But beyond the metaphorical value of a lame protagonist, there's also a more practical reason to include disabled characters in literature: representation. Disabled people are often underrepresented in media, and when they are included, they are often portrayed as either inspirational heroes or pitiable victims. By including disabled characters as fully-realized, complex individuals, authors can help to break down these stereotypes and create a more nuanced understanding of disability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of a lame protagonist in WW2 literature is a powerful way to tell stories from a unique perspective. By highlighting the experiences of a disabled child, authors can shed light on the true cost of war, both physical and emotional. And by including disabled characters as fully-realized individuals, they can help to break down stereotypes and create a more inclusive literary landscape.