Adoption Narratives as Hero’s Journeys in Polish Children’s Literature

Abstract

Abstract One of the recurring functions of children’s literature is to help young readers anticipate and interpret challenges that may arise in both ordinary and unexpected life situations. Within this framework, the present study examines literary texts intended for readers aged 3–10 which address the issue of adoption. The analysis encompasses both books and online materials published in Polish (16 items in total). The corpus consists of texts in which adoption constitutes the central theme, and which are recommended by professionals involved in the adoption process, including staff of adoption centres. The study investigates the use of Campbell’s monomyth as a narrative framework structuring adoption stories. The results suggest that adoption narratives frequently draw on elements of the monomythic pattern, although the structure is typically simplified and its stages often overlap. In most cases, the central figure is an adult who undertakes the challenge of “finding” a child, portrayed as a “gift”, a “reward”, or the culmination of a journey. Although the monomyth is rarely reproduced in its complete form, its key elements consistently shape both the organisation of adoption narratives and the meanings associated with the adoption experience. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the hero’s journey serves as an important narrative framework in Polish adoption stories for children. Its recurring use demonstrates the capacity of the monomyth to structure adoption narratives around challenge, transformation, and resolution. Through the hero’s journey, children’s literature provides a narrative framework through which adoption can be represented, interpreted, and made meaningful for young readers.