Paper Title:

Crossing the Mediterranean: Balancing Reality and Comfort through Metaphors in Migration Graphic Novels and Picturebooks

Abstract:

Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the production of graphic novels or picturebooks addressing the complex topic of migration. These books serve as powerful tools for young readers to navigate through intricate visual narratives and contemplate the personal, social, and intercultural dimensions of the migrant experience (Arizpe, 2015). Within these narratives, realistic themes often depict the authentic experiences of migrants, vividly portraying a spectrum of negative emotions stemming from challenging encounters or cultural clashes, including sadness, fear, and anxiety. Such portrayals not only offer insights into the internal struggles faced by migrants but also encourage young readers to develop empathy and adaptability in multicultural settings.

However, the dual objectives of fostering empathy and explaining complex events to children may encounter obstacles when confronted with the perceived necessity to shield young audiences from distressing scenes (Truglio, 2022). Graphic novels or picturebooks frequently employ verbal or visual metaphors as a means to depict the tragedies and negative emotions associated with migration. Yet, the critical question remains unanswered: how do these metaphors strike a balance between conveying harsh realities and providing comfort to young readers? Moreover, how do they enhance the engagement of narratives while simultaneously fostering a positive attitude towards overcoming challenges, thereby rendering them more thought-provoking?

This paper endeavors to explore the use of metaphors in graphic novels and picturebooks focusing on migration themes in the Mediterranean region. Specifically, it delves into the intricate cultural landscape of the Mediterranean, which poses unique challenges for the effective use of metaphors. Four books were selected for this purpose: The Journey, written and illustrated by Francesca Sanna; Migrants, written and illustrated by Issa Watanabe; Boundless Sky, written and illustrated by Amanda Addison and Manuela Adreani; Mediterraneo, written and illustrated by Sergio Nazzaro and Luca Ferrara. By shedding light on both the distinct cultural characteristics and shared human experiences across different cultures, this study adopts a cross-cultural perspective to reconsider how verbal or visual metaphors can offer fresh insights into the portrayal of traumatizing scenes.

In conclusion, this paper argues that while metaphorical approaches may vary across graphic novels or picturebooks on migration from diverse Mediterranean cultures, the underlying metaphors used to depict emotions are deeply rooted in universal human experiences. As a result, young readers from different cultural backgrounds are likely to resonate emotionally with metaphors commonly used to express feelings, facilitating a deeper understanding of the negative emotions associated with immigration. This approach not only applies to depicting migration-related sentiments but also holds relevance for depicting a wide range of emotions in children's literature.

Arizpe, E. et al. (2015) Visual journeys through wordless narratives: An international inquiry with immigrant children and the arrival. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Truglio, M.R. (2022) ‘Should shipwrecks be sweet?’, Romanic Review, 113(2), pp. 260–281.

地中海地区移民主题图画小说和绘本的现状及趋势

迁徙体验的真实描绘：

 情感描写：分析这些图画小说和绘本如何通过视觉和语言手段描绘移民的真实情感，如悲伤、恐惧和焦虑。

 实例分析：详细分析几本代表性书籍中的具体情节和图画，说明它们如何呈现移民的内部挣扎和负面情绪。

隐喻的使用及其效果

 语言和视觉隐喻：研究图画小说和绘本中常用的语言和视觉隐喻，分析其在传达复杂情感和事件中的作用。

 平衡严峻现实和情感安慰：探讨这些隐喻如何在传达严峻现实和提供情感安慰之间取得平衡。

 积极情感的培养：探讨这些书籍如何通过叙述和隐喻，培养读者积极面对挑战的态度。

地中海文化背景的独特挑战

文化背景分析：深入研究地中海地区的文化背景，探讨其对图画小说和绘本中隐喻使用的独特影响。

跨文化视角：采用跨文化视角，分析不同文化中的共性和差异，探讨这些差异如何影响隐喻的理解和情感共鸣。