Comparing Tales And Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood

Writers spanning over different periods have appropriated the Little Red Riding Hood tale to outline the beliefs of children and childhood within their given eras. Perrault’s account of the tale highlights the beginning of literature as a form of early childhood education, within it, places a value of creating rules and boundaries for children within the seventeenth century. Juxtaposed to this, Dahl’s version affirms modern perceptions of children, subjecting literature as a form of enjoyment and empowerment for children. Both tales use characterization and colour to affirm similar and differentiating assumptions of children, representing principles of the given society.

Perrault’s Little Red Riding Hood emphasises the patriarchal society

Dahl’s account educates implied readers on their own strength and highlights the modern societal view of independence as a major aspect of maturing; this is evident through the characters development by calling her by “miss” rather than a “little girl” (1999, pp. 21-22). The “cloak of red” is reminiscent of Perrault’s symbol of passion and sexuality, however, Dahl’s use of the cloak acts to endorse a woman’s power. Similarly, Dahl’s characterizes the wolf’s “leer” (1999, p.21) as suggestive of a sexual and predatory act, drawing upon Perrault’s versions suggestions of the dangers of men whilst also endorsing a modern perspective of the independence and empowerment of women. As Perrault’s protagonist undresses to get into bed with the wolf, Dahl further hints at the aforementioned tale through the mention of the child’s “knickers” however, affirms the view of empowering woman as “she whips a pistol from her knickers.” (1999, p. 22) This signifies the message of a woman’s sexuality as a form of inner strength; as this tale is for “didactic reasons” (Crago 2003, p. 164) and further enforces the modern approach on gender equality and empowerment of woman in contrast to the early views of oppressing women though rules and boundaries or their own protection as evident in Perrault’s