ALEX SAM, DR. REJOICE SOLOMON, DR LYDIA R CONGER, DR. SHAMBU KUMAR YADAV, DR. SWEETY MARANDI
DOI: https://doi.org/This research analyses the representation of orphanhood in literature, contrasting traditional family care, foster care, and orphanages. Based on historical, sociological, and literary analysis, the paper investigates the changing constructs of orphans and their depiction in classical, Victorian, and contemporary literature. It analyses the social and psychological consequences of orphanhood, with special attention to prominent literary characters like Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre, Huckleberry Finn, and Harry Potter. The research compares emotional security within home environments to institutional care challenges and resilience built through alternative caregiving systems. By critically interrogating literary and academic writing, the research emphasizes a call for rehabilitated perceptions of foster care and orphanages, both in literature and social policy. The results confirm that literature determines public opinion concerning child welfare by reinforcing either sympathy.
