THE OTHER: ДЕСТИГМАТИЗАЦІЯ КАТЕГОРІЇ "ІНШИЙ" КРІЗЬ ПРИЗМУ РОМАНУ ДЖОНА ВІНДЕМА "ЛЯЛЕЧКИ"

Abstract

Background.The article explores the bibliotherapeutic analysis of John Wyndham's novel "The Chrysalids," portraying a pedantic post-apocalyptic society of the future shaped by the ideology of its superiority. This society is framed against the backdrop of physical "perfection" and a conviction in the unconditional necessity of eliminating otherness driven by fear. Methods. The concept of the "norm" is scrutinized using cultural-historical, comparative, and psychoanalytic methods to shed light on the evolution of societal perceptions of normalcy and its impact on individuals. An effort is made to unveil the issues of stigmatization arising from deviations from widely accepted norms and the problems associated with such social policies. In his novel, Wyndham emphasizes the baselessness of certain societal practices within specific communities that lead to violence and the proliferation of hatred and fear. Results. The novel's exploration of the relative nature of norms enables an examination of the issue through Richard Hudson's theory of societal standards and deviations. This occurs against the backdrop of constant modifications to these norms, leading to the erosion of the concept's structure and, consequently, the potential for oppressing those who fall outside defined boundaries. The author's unique contribution lies in attempting to discredit the dominance of the "norm" concept and, consequently, resisting the stigmatization of deviations from it. This is due to the potential harm they pose to human life and the overall development of society, especially in the context of wartime and post-war periods. Conclusion. The article argues for incorporating the novel into the "Foreign Literature" curriculum in secondary schools, emphasizing its therapeutic potential within the Ukrainian context. In a climate where injuries and various types of physical and mental trauma are becoming more widespread daily, impacting both the military and civilian populations, inclusion is particularly crucial for children and adolescents. This demographic is especially susceptible as their moral values are still formative and can be easily influenced.