The secular angel in contemporary children's literature: David ...

Transformation
Transformation is a concept to which many different meanings can be attributed. According to
the context and framework within which it is placed, it can easily serve many purposes and be
used, or even misused, in a multitude of ways. The Oxford English Dictionary defines
transformation as: 1a) the action of changing in form, shape, or appearance, metamorphosis;
1b) a changed form, a person or thing transformed; 2) a complete change in character,
condition (OED, online). In this thesis, the term transformation will be used to describe both a
physical change, as in the case of Freya in Angel, and a change in character, and especially
condition. While the former is more obvious and straightforward in that Freya transforms
from a human to a human-angelic being—she grows wings, acquires supernatural physical
strength, and perceives the world like the angels in the narrative do— the latter is more
complicated as it refers to the child protagonists’ very different movements from a state of
‘innocence’ to one of ‘experience’. These two notions are complicated and challenged by the
three authors in question as each defines them differently based on their ideology and the
purpose these need to serve for their narratives. For example, while Lyra’s innocence is
defined as ideological ignorance, Freya’s is characterized by a lack of or disregard for
responsibility. Through the analysis, it will become evident that one of the most important
elements contributing to this transformation is the angels; they facilitate this change by
helping the characters evolve and grow, and aid them in the acquisition of experience in
different forms that will prepare them to live more ethical lives.
The concept of transformation, as opposed to transition, was used in this thesis
consciously and purposefully as it denotes and more accurately characterizes a process that is
complex and multifaceted in more ways than one. Whereas transition suggests a more
‘natural’ or predictable movement from one state to another, transformation comprises of a
more profound, and unprecedented change. In the thesis, this more fundamental change is a
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