Date of Award

Spring 2024

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

English

Sponsor

Dr. Paul Reich

Committee Member

Dr. Matthew Forsythe

Committee Member

Dr. Benjamin Hudson

Abstract

On Jan. 1, 2022, A.A. Milne’s willy, nilly, silly old bear entered the public domain, but this paper will argue why Disney's version will most likely retain its longevity despite additional competition. Disney's franchise-ation of Winnie the Pooh has left their iteration of the bear at the forefront of audience's minds. While Disney's version retains its iconic image of the bear, however, the release of the character into the public domain will allow others to utilize the bear in new ways. Such opens the door to a new question: How should characters be treated after entering the public domain? This paper will explore the American tendency to privilege nostalgia, and how it leads to a preference towards Disney's version of the bear because the company sells nostalgia, comfort, and the "old." In its privilege of nostalgia, comfort, and the old, Disney's version of Winnie the Pooh has connected its bear with an essential characteristic of American identity. This paper features three chapters on Pooh’s adaptation into film and television, theme parks, and merchandise.

Rights Holder

Peyton Poitras

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