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Psychoanalytic Approach to Little Red Riding Hood  


Although there are numerous approaches employed in understanding literature, the psychoanalytic interpretation most significantly attempts to utilize the symbolic mysteries of a work. In exclusive contrast to the formal approach, which focuses entirely on the wording, the fascinating aspect of the psychoanalytic investigation is that it searches for a purpose beyond that which is strictly in the text. By insinuating the existence of innate and hidden motives, it allows for a broad range of abstract and creative possibilities. When applied to Perrault's, "Little Red Riding Hood," it appropriately suggests evidence toward underlying sexual motivations and tensions. Additionally, this analysis unfolds a constant interplay between forces of the human psyche.

Sigmund Freud pioneered the introduction of the psychoanalytical concepts behind his principle theory that all human behavior is primarily motivated by sexuality. Throughout Perrault's version of "Little Red Riding Hood," veiled sexual implications are in abundance. In fact, the moral suggests that the entire purpose of the story is to caution against the "smooth-tongued…dangerous beasts" which like to rob young ladies of their innocence. Likewise, the hungry wolf does not simply eat the grandmother. Instead, Perrault distinctly portrays that before consumption, "he threw himself on the good woman." And furthermore, before digesting the young girl, he invites her into bed. At which point, she "took off her clothes and went to lie down in the bed." After she thoroughly inspects and comments on nearly every aspect of the wolf's "big" body parts, the wolf then "threw himself upon Little Red Riding Hood" to consume her as well. Such obvious references in the text clearly serve as evidence for Freud's theories on interpretive analysis.

Another Freudian theory relating to this story is his belief that society poses a forbidden aura on sexual compulsion, and as a result comes the tendency to repress sexual desires. When applied to "Little Red Riding Hood," the character of the wolf can justify to this argument. Although he is constantly seeking to satisfy his appetite, he has the ability to control himself in the beginning. Despite not eating for three days, he skillfully awaits for the perfect time and situation to gratify his cravings. Notice he does not go after the male woodcutters; instead he wais to take advantage upon a pretty little girl. In the process, he gets her naked and into bed before pleasing himself. Having withheld his sexual desires for so long, in the end he loses control. He gobbles up both the little girl and her grandmother while they lie innocently in bed.

While accurately applying the psychoanalytical approach, it is necessary to prove the interactions of the human mind. The concept that unconscious psychological forces inspire human behavior is vital to this examination. Freud believed that there were three psychic zones of the mental process: the id, the ego and the superego. In "Little Red Riding Hood," the mother and grandmother represent the superego. Representing all that is moral, they raise Little Red Riding Hood by helping to protect and control her natural urges. In contrast, the wolf represents the psychic energy of an id. Lacking logic and principle, he functions only for instinctual gratification. Serving as the mediator between restraint and mayhem, Little Red Riding Hood symbolizes the ego and attempts to balance both extremes. In the beginning she is described as a "pretty little girl," who dresses as "fine ladies" do. Adored by all, she then goes into the woods to encounter the id. There she disobeys her mother's instructions, and becomes "the poor child." In the moral, these "pretty, nicely brought-up young ladies" turn "foolish" upon talking to strangers. As "elegant" as they were once considered, it is a child's own fault if she leans to far to the irrational id. Furthermore, Freud dramatically insinuates that this struggle can only end in death, which is the exact fate of Little Red Riding Hood.

Despite the fact that the psychoanalytic approach is the most controversial interpretation of literature, it proves to be utterly intriguing. In stories such as this, the sexual undertones are clearly evident, and thus substantiate the intricacies behind the approach. Perhaps it is a bit untraditional. However, this investigation remains both thought provoking and brilliantly compelling.