Philosophical Perspectives on Tove Jansson’s "Moominsummer Madness" through Walter Benjamin’s Ideas of Play

Pirjo Suvilehto; Jarosław Płuciennik

doi:10.26485/ZRL/2026/69.1/18

Authors

Pirjo Suvilehto University of Oulu, Faculty of Education and Psychology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3044-254X
Jarosław Płuciennik University of Lodz, Faculty of Philology, Institute of Contemporary Culture, Department of Literary Theory https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6984-7734

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26485/ZRL/2026/69.1/18

Keywords:

Walter Benjamin, bibliotherapy approach, Tove Jansson, Moomins, play

Abstract

This study examines philosophical perspectives in Tove Jansson’s Moomin novel Moominsummer Madness (MM, 2010 [1954]), with particular attention to the theatrical performance embedded in the narrative. These perspectives are informed by Walter Benjamin’s ideas of play as metaphor. Methodologically, the article combines close reading with a bibliotherapeutic approach and literary reflection grounded in philosophy, also opening a path toward self-reflexive reading: What if life itself is a continuously unfolding act of play? In the novel, the Moomin characters — non-human beings acting in distinctly human ways — stage a theatrical performance amid a sudden flood, rendering the story metaphorical and inviting reflection on humanity and collaboration. Our interpretation moves toward the idea that theatrical performance becomes a means of survival in the midst of catastrophe. Jansson’s Moomin stories resonate with Benjamin’s ideas of play and theatre as a world, while also suggesting how literature may offer comfort and coping strategies, thus carrying bibliotherapeutic value. The catastrophes in Jansson’s stories may also lead readers toward ethical reflection and toward literary education that includes non-human beings.

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