Visual representation of COVID-19 in Children‘s Literature: A Semiotic Analysis

Huda Tufail; Dr. Mamona Yasmin Khan; Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi

doi:10.36902/sjesr-vol4-iss2-2021(423-430)

Huda Tufail MPhil Scholar, Department of English, The Women University Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Dr. Mamona Yasmin Khan Department of English, The Women University Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi Vice Chancellor, The Women University Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36902/sjesr-vol4-iss2-2021(423-430)

Keywords: Covid-19, Books Cover, Semiotic Analysis, Visual Representations, Children Literature

Abstract

The massive spread of Coronavirus has badly affected the entire globe and lives of the people irrespective of age or gender. Children in this regard are no exemption. They are affected not only physically but also emotionally and mentally due to the virus and quarantine period. This study aims to provide a semiotic analysis of the visual representations of Covid-19 in the children’s book covers selected on a global level. These covers are new emerging literature and serve to narrate a global discourse related to COVID-19. The researchers have followed the qualitative approach and the data have been collected using purposive sampling technique to provide a holistic interpretation of the selected covers. Framework, selected for the study, is ‘Semiotic Analysis’ by Kress and van Leeuwen (2006). The findings revealed that the participants’ actions and overall circumstances in these covers are highly meaningful. The action narrative and colorful illustrations aim to motivate the young audience in a positive manner. Furthermore, they communicate a message of hope and urge them to fight against the virus. The visuals in these covers are therefore quite significant in their meanings and interpretations.