Aspects of Liminality and the Figure of the Trickster in P.L. Travers's Mary Poppins Novels

This article explores the concepts of liminality and the trickster archetype in Mary Poppins, drawing on the theories of Arnold van Gennep, Victor Turner, and scholars of trickster mythology such as William J. Hynes. Focusing on the figure of Mary Poppins as a modern feminine trickster, the study analyses how P. L. Travers transforms the traditional mythic trickster into a respectable yet subversive nanny figure who guides children through periods and spaces of transition. The article examines liminal spaces such as the nursery, the park, and “in-between” realms, as well as liminal temporalities associated with ritual moments like Midsummer Eve, Halloween, and the Full Moon. It argues that the novels use fantasy, ritual, and adventure to connect the everyday with the mythical, encouraging children to perceive the universe as an interconnected, multidimensional space. Through close textual analysis, the article demonstrates how the Mary Poppins series functions as a modern mythography that blends children’s literature, mythology, and spiritual exploration.