Abstract
Winnie-the-pooh is a fictional bear created by Alan Alexander Milne. The character first appeared in the children's books Winnie-the-pooh (1926) and Winnie at the Pooh Corner (1928). It is a reference to children literature, since the Pooh stories have been translated into many languages, notably including Alexander Lenard's Latin translation, 'Winnie ille Pu', which was first published in 1958. Winnie-the-Pooh has also been adapted many times on radio, on television, in movies or in video games. At the same time, it became one of Disney's most successful franchises worldwide. One reason that made the books so successful is the distinct way in which he honours God's great variety of personalities, while at the same time emphasizing those distinctive characteristics with which we best identify. To have accomplished this within the framework of a child's interest and vocabulary is truly phenomenal. In my presentation, I am going to focus on one particular characteristic that is emphasized in the two books, that is to say melancholy. Melancholy is a state of mind that can be defined as a deep and long-standing sadness or as a gloomy state continuing for a considerable time. I am going to see how A. A. Milne uses it in the text, where it comes from, and what it brings about for readers.
