Fairy Tales Criticism

The Grimms’ Fairy Tales Literary Analysis

The Children’s and Household Tales, more commonly known as Grimms’ Fairy Tales were first published in 1812 by the Grimm brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm. Although the title suggests otherwise, the vast majority were not intended as children’s tales. Containing violence, gore, and suggestive references, the stories were not well-suited for children. The stories were didactic at a time when discipline relied on fear and were written as “warning tales” for children. What made the stories so memorable were the many uses of figurative devices used to enhance them. The use of characterization, imagery, theme, and symbolism helped make the simple narratives beautiful, striking, and

It is very common in many of the fairy tales for there to be usually one controlling, ‘evil’ parent, most commonly the stepmother, and one submissive parent, usually the father. This archetype is also seen in the fairy tales of Cinderella, Snow White, and Brother and Sister. The wicked character of the witch follows the stereotype that all witches are old, ugly, bitter, and evil. It is surprising to see that the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel is one of the few where the main protagonists are clever and intelligent. The save themselves instead of relying on other people to save them. Hansel is very intelligent when he gathers glowing rocks and pieces of bread to lead their way back home when they are left to die in the forest. He shows his cleverness when he tricks the witch into believing that he has gained no weight by letting her touch a little bone instead of his finger. Gretel is also particularly clever when she pretends ignorance and tricks the witch into getting inside the oven allowing Gretel to push her in. The main themes of the fairy tale address survival and resilience in a world of poverty and deprivation. The main protagonist overcome the obstacles when they outsmart the witch, who represents gluttony, and are rewarded with pearls and jewels. Another main theme of the story is the sin of gluttony represented by the witch and the house made from bread and cakes. The witch’s gluttony is her downfall when she is tricked by both children. An important part of the fairy tale is the imagery present. As the children are lost in the forest they describe it “dark [as] night”. The forest is a recurrent image in the Grimm fairy tales, especially in the fairy tales of Little Red-Cap, and Snow White. The forest in the fairy tale is often described as frightening and where the supernatural happens. The forest also