Blyton's presentation of her child and adult characters

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Rob Houghton
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Re: Blyton's presentation of her child and adult characters

Post by Rob Houghton »

Of course, it needs saying that some of the scenarios in 'The Six Bad Boys' was based on fact - where the children lie awake at night and creep onto the landing, hearing their parents arguing, and the door slamming as father leaves for good, and how their mother asks them to cover up his departure - are lifted straight from Enid's childhood experiences, when her own father walked out on her mother.
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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Anita Bensoussane
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Re: Blyton's presentation of her child and adult characters

Post by Anita Bensoussane »

Yes, and as an adult Enid Blyton had been to the juvenile courts and listened to cases and learnt about the young offenders' backgrounds. No wonder The Six Bad Boys makes such an impact on the reader, being linked to real experiences.

Going back to the school stories, The Naughtiest Girl in the School features one of the most fascinating parent-child relationships to be found in an Enid Blyton book. I'm thinking of Joan Townsend and her family. Their story is profound and moving and made a huge impression on me as a child.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.

"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.


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