Children and their environment in Estonian working-class literature at the turn of the twentieth century

Abstract

ABSTRACT The living environments of children in Estonian working-class literature are depicted in a way that would lead the reader to support certain political views and sympathize with the working classes. The political effect distinguishes the depictions of the children’s environments in working-class literature from naturalist descriptions, which, albeit still gruesome, are more neutral. It also sets it apart from the Soviet proletarian approach, in which Soviet propaganda was always at the forefront. This article analyses fictional works by Estonian working-class authors to demonstrate how children’s environments were used to promote the working-class movement that took hold in Europe in the beginning of the twentieth century and considers the intentions of these authors.