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Symbolism of Victorian Society in the Anthropomorphism of the Peter Rabbit Picture Book (1901)

ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities · Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025) · pp. 278–288

DOI
10.34050/els-jish.v8i1.43605
ISSN
2621-0835, 2621-0843
Published
2025-03-28
Publisher
Hasanuddin University
Language
en
License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

Abstract

This paper explores the anthropomorphic elements in Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and their role in reflecting Victorian societal values. Through the depiction of Peter wearing human-like attire, notably his blue jacket, and standing upright, Potter imbues the character with human qualities, making him relatable to young readers. This anthropomorphism serves to symbolize both the innocence and adventurous spirit of childhood, while highlighting the tension between curiosity and the moral lessons of obedience and responsibility. The garden, as a space of both adventure and danger, mirrors the Victorian ideal of childhood exploration within the confines of authority. Peter's journey—marked by disobedience, mischief, and eventual growth—illustrates the duality of childhood: innocence coupled with the need for guidance. By balancing exploration with consequences, Potter’s narrative conveys timeless moral lessons, making Peter Rabbit a relatable, enduring story for both children and adults that transcends its Victorian context. The story’s appeal lies in its ability to speak to universal themes of personal growth and the balance between freedom and discipline. Potter’s use of anthropomorphism, coupled with her nuanced portrayal of childhood, ensures that Peter Rabbit remains an essential piece of literature that continues to resonate across generations.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

27 authors · 75 co-authorship links · 24 across different organisations

Hover or tap a name to highlight its co-authors. Double-click to open the author's page.

  • Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar
  • Hasanuddin University
  • Nasional University
  • Different organisations
  • Same organisation
  • Affiliation unknown
  • Thicker line = more joint articles · bigger circle = more articles
Show as table
Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Nahdhiyah NahdhiyahUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar5
Aan MujizatUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar4
Fakhriawan Fathu RahmanHasanuddin University3
Ahmad MuzzammilUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar3
Somadi SosrohadiNasional University2
AhmadUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar2
NurhidayahUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar2
Dahlan DahlanUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar2
Azis Muh. DzulhijjahUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar2
Nissa Atun AtsyaniaUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar2
Aryani Nurul RahmawatiUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar2
Sukmawaty SukmawatyHasanuddin University1
Hasnia HasniaHasanuddin University1
M. DalyanHasanuddin University1
Fairuz FairuzNasional University1
Muhammad Syafri BadaruddinHasanuddin University1
Tuty Wulandari Bin AhmadHasanuddin University1
M. Amir P.Hasanuddin University1
Kwon YoungsunNasional University1
Shua JungNasional University1
Ko YookyungNasional University1
Park Kyeong JaeNasional University1
Adinda Dwi CahyaniUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar1
Muhammad TaufikUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar1
Andi Omar Pallawa BudimanUniversitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jish/oai, first harvested 3 Nov 2026, last seen 3 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">Symbolism of Victorian Society in the Anthropomorphism of the Peter Rabbit Picture Book (1901)</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Junaid, Syahruni</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Andini, Citra</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Anthropomorpism</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Symbol</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Peter Rabbit</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Picture Book</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Victorian Society</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">This paper explores the anthropomorphic elements in Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and their role in reflecting Victorian societal values. Through the depiction of Peter wearing human-like attire, notably his blue jacket, and standing upright, Potter imbues the character with human qualities, making him relatable to young readers. This anthropomorphism serves to symbolize both the innocence and adventurous spirit of childhood, while highlighting the tension between curiosity and the moral lessons of obedience and responsibility. The garden, as a space of both adventure and danger, mirrors the Victorian ideal of childhood exploration within the confines of authority. Peter's journey—marked by disobedience, mischief, and eventual growth—illustrates the duality of childhood: innocence coupled with the need for guidance. By balancing exploration with consequences, Potter’s narrative conveys timeless moral lessons, making Peter Rabbit a relatable, enduring story for both children and adults that transcends its Victorian context. The story’s appeal lies in its ability to speak to universal themes of personal growth and the balance between freedom and discipline. Potter’s use of anthropomorphism, coupled with her nuanced portrayal of childhood, ensures that Peter Rabbit remains an essential piece of literature that continues to resonate across generations.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Hasanuddin University</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2025-03-28</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jish/article/view/43605</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.34050/els-jish.v8i1.43605</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities; Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): MARCH; 278-288</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2621-0835</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2621-0843</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.34050/els-jish.v8i1</dc:source>
	<dc:language>en</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jish/article/view/43605/12688</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2025 Syahruni Junaid, Citra Andini</dc:rights>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0</dc:rights>
</oai_dc:dc>