L’educazione sentimentale. Karin Michaëlis e la protezione degli animali. Con un brano tratto dalla sua autobiografia

In the first half of the 20th century, Karin Michaëlis (1872-1950) was undoubtedly one of Denmark’s most influential writers. In Italy, she is primarily remembered for her Bibi books (1929-1939), a children’s series abounding with descriptions of the protagonist helping animals in need. In this Bibi resembles her creator, as Michaëlis vigorously strove to protect animals from human cruelty and neglect. In this article I trace the imprint of the author’s interest in animal welfare on the Bibi books, showing, among other things, that Michaëlis advocated child activism in relation to animal abuse. Relying on archival sources, I then show that Michaëlis planned to create an animal welfare organization for children but eventually abandoned this project and that she effectively influenced young Italian readers of the Bibi series who, in imitation of the heroine, attempted to aid and protect animals. Finally, I translate a section of Michaëlis’ Danish autobiography into Italian. When as an adolescent she witnessed the agony of a dying dog, she not only lost faith in God but was also overcome with compassion and an all-consuming need to help suffering creatures, humans and animals alike.