ANIMALS AS MORAL AND NATURAL SYMBOLS IN MICHAEL MORPURGO'S FICTION

Michael Morpurgo’s fiction holds an important place in contemporary children’s literature because of its strong humanistic message and frequent use of animal imagery. In his works, animals are not only part of the storyline but also meaningful symbols that express moral values and ecological ideas. They often represent qualities such as kindness, loyalty, responsibility, and respect for life. This article examines how animal characters in Morpurgo’s fiction function as moral and ecological symbols and how they help readers understand ethical behavior and the relationship between humans and nature. By analyzing selected novels, the study shows that animal imagery plays a key role in developing empathy and environmental awareness among young readers. As a result, Morpurgo’s use of animals can be seen as an effective artistic and educational tool in modern children’s literature.