Abstract

Despite the continued tendency of 19th century literature to use traditional fables with animal characters to reveal human virtues and vices, there rapidly grew up a movement of literature for young people whose only aim was to cultivate moral attitudes towards animals. By means of various literary genres, the younger generation was educated to achieve a sensitivity towards the pain and suffering of animals. Learning about the consequences of cruelty, young readers were taught to avoid maltreating animals. Literature prompted compassion in the young readers. Not only were particular examples condemned – of cruelty, beating, abuse – but the moral consequences of these violations were demonstrated. Following Immanuel Kant, it was assumed that harming animals weakens our moral sensitivity, which leads to a person becoming cruel not only towards animals but towards people as well.