Scholars debate the reasons for such striking similarities between stories in such a variety of cultures and try to ascertain the possible meanings behind these seemingly simple children's tales. Using "Cinderella" as an example, this chapter explores variations of a tale and the diverse ways of examining them. First, in "Universality of the Folktale," Stith Thompson raises the broad questions and the underlying assumptions that govern the folklorist's study of tales. He claims that folktales should be objects of study as well as entertainment. Although there are many variations of the "Cinderella" theme, there are many common bonds that tie the
‘In The Bloody Chamber, childhood fairytales become the stuff of adult nightmares.’ With close reference to at least two stories from the collection, say how far you agree with this comment. Angela Carter’s decision to subvert the classic fairytale genre with twisted parodies of the original was shocking to readers at the time, and her stories certainly reveal more sinister and perverse depths of these fairytales – depths which the original authors surely did not intend on existing with their target audience of children in mind. Fairy tales are typically very non- realistic with phrases such as ‘Once upon a time’ - immediately implying a fantasy era and setting, being their famous opening lines. As with fairytales, nightmares are of course always fiction. They can be seen to be the predictor of future events and to say something about your life.
Character judgment is also taught in fairy tales. In Little Red Riding Hood she had to figure out for herself who was good and bad, who to trust and not to trust. While taking an innocent trip to visit her grandmother in the woods, she figured out she could not trust the bad wolf for trying to eat her and her grandmother. She figures out that she can trust the good hunter who has come to help and protect them from the wolf. Teamwork is also taught in fairy tales.
I think they distorted the story because they added punishment to the bad characters. I believe they thought they were improving them and maybe adding some moral tones to the story. After reading the stories I found a lot of violence then other versions I have read or watched. I believe the telling of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Beauty and the best by Disney is an improvement from Grimms. Disney added more of a magical feel to the story and took out of some the violence.
A Critique of “‘Cinderella’: A Story of Sibling Rivalry and Oedipal Conflicts” The classic, world recognized fairy tale, Cinderella, is a story that may seem only to appeal to certain aspects of a juvenile mind. However, Bruno Bettelheim, author of “’Cinderella’: A Story of Sibling Rivalry and Oedipal Conflicts”, delves deeper into the fable. The author argues that the main characters in the story portray the horrific and troubling experiences of sibling rivalry. Not only that, but he also discusses the psychological disturbances that accompany the burdens of being an unappreciated sibling. Using numerous examples and details, Bettelheim is able to create a logical analysis of Cinderella.
On the surface, Disney is a remarkable institution and has put smiles on millions of faces. However, what many tend to overlook is the negative influence of these fairy tales. These myths are loaded with semiotics that teach children how to genderize. Most parents that expose their children to these animations have not the slightest clue how badly elements of semiotics are used to control their children’s behaviors. Judith Lorber breaks down the semiotics that is engraved in the concept of gender in her piece “The Social Construction of Gender.” She explains how gender affects our lives by controlling our identities.
Another aspect of Romanticism that Tom Sawyer displays is his reason and logic being replaced by unrealistic and fanciful thinking: "Every animal [including rattlesnakes] is grateful for kindness and petting, and they wouldn’t THINK of hurting a person that pets them. Any book will tell you that " (140). Making the connection to Romantic ideals, Mark Twain characterizes Tom Sawyer as not discerning logically, but rather having delusions of grandeur. Through the character of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain is able to hyperbolize the aspects of Romantic literature that he discerns to be flawed as well as create a foil for the main character, Huckleberry Finn. During the times Tom Sawyer is not present in Huck's life, Huck is able to devise plans in most circumstances even if his plans do stay relatively simple.
When a wolf did threaten the lives of the sheep, no one believed him. Aesop reminds the reader, “There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth.” Think of a story in your life or your culture that is frequently told, or commonly known, and communicates a corrective lesson. Be sure to select a story or narrative, and NOT a popular slogan, phrase shared in your own family, etc. ; the selection MUST be a story or narrative. Think of stories which you have read, or been told, as a child; even tales such as the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus would be suitable.
Disney and Me “You can’t get what you want just by wishing for it,” says Tiana from The Princess and the Frog—just another quote from the latest Disney phenomenon for me to keep track of. Since the beginning of my time, Disney characters seemed to influence everything I did. From trying on the trendiest clothes to deciding which juice box to drink, they were always there to help me make my decisions. In fact, many of their actions—through uncanny logic—fit together like a puzzle piece to influence different life lessons. Life Lesson #1: Stay away from the unknown.
She learns the anything truly important is worth overcoming many obstacles to achieve, like the field of flowers that made you very sleepy and stealing the broom from the wicked witch. She learned that weak and helpless people can defeat evil, if they work together. She learned this from the lion that was not very brave but became brave when it came to working together with the tin man and scarecrow to save Dorothy from the wicked witch’s castle. She learned that we limit ourselves, like the tine man, scarecrow and lion who swore they did not poses any of the gifts they seeked out for. Those are many of the other lessons Dorothy learned throughout this strange yet unforgettable journey through Oz.