Taming Anxiety. The Therapeutic Potential of Tove Jansson’s Iconotexts
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study is to highlight the therapeutic potential of works by Tove Jansson’s: the picturebook Who Will Comfort Toffle? and the final volume of the Moomin book series, Moominvalley in November.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem involves answering the question: What elements in the verbal-visual construction of the plot and in the characteristics of the main characters make these works interpreted as therapeutic? The method is content analysis Vladimir Propp’s model of the fairy tale structure, references to psychological theories of fairy tales, and selected elements of Nikolajeva’s cognitive theory of iconotext.
THE PROCESS AND ARGUMENTATION: First, the analysed works were positioned on the map of Jansson’s works. Then, the iconotext of the picturebook Who Will Comfort Toffle? was explored, assigning it functions from Propp’s model and highlighting the significance of the graphic layer from a cognitive theory perspective. Next, the character of Toft was examined, considering the process of his empowerment. In the conclusion, the common traits of both characters were recapped from the perspective of their therapeutic impact.
RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis shows that both characters share certain traits expressed through words and images, and the storyline fulfills selected fairy tale functions. The multi-layered meanings related to the aspect of therapy are more sophisticated in the case of Toft, what can be explained by the fact that he is the protagonist of the final part of the Moomin series, largely aimed at adults.
CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Jansson created masterful iconotexts, which are mindscapes of insecure and anxious characters under- going a process of empowerment. At the same time, her work served as a form of self-art therapy for her. Her works are timeless and can still be used in bibliotherapeutic work with both children and adults.
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