The Grimm Brothers also known as Wilhelm Grimm and Jacob Grimm, created a variety of fairy tales during their times. Impacted by German Romanticism, the brothers vigorously studied the folklore of their region, with an emphasis on taking note of story tells that were vanishing [‘William Grimm”]. Many of their fairy tales were in fact influenced by previously printed fairy tales, as well as information shared by friends, family members and acquaintances [“William Grimm”]. “Hansel and Gretel”,one of the many fairy tales documented by the Brothers Grimm, grew astonishing popular when published in 1812. Each fairy tale contains its own history and breakdown that reveals a current situation or experience of a certain period.
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
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By freeing themselves from a reliance upon immediate oral gratification for security,the children abrogate the undermining mother picture and recuperate the good mother, but in a more developed relationship,no longer does the mother’s refusal to offer instant and full gratification evoke fear. The children leave the witch's house with her jewels and with that are able to live in peace once they return to their father and are assured the family of three are to live in happiness and in no worry of famine [“Hansel and Gretel:Enter the …show more content…
Between 1500 and 1660, a staggering 80,000 suspected witches were thought to have been killed in Europe, with 80% of those put to death being women. Execution rates fluctuated significantly by nation, from around 26,000 in Germany to around 10,000 in France and 1,000 in England [“Background to Hansel and Gretel”]. The oven into which the witch is eventually casted out, is likewise fragrant of the flames of hell fire as discipline for her wrongdoings. As is perhaps evident from these examples though, “Hansel and Gretel” has an unusually small geographic reach when compared with many other folkloric stories, with most forms originating from Europe. Fairy tale motifs utilized in this story incorporate the wicked stepmother [“The Complete Fairy Tales”]. There is additionally a witch who is evil and cold blooded. Before transforming into this cruel and barbarous witch, the witch camouflages herself as a kind old woman who wants to help the kids. Parents often use this story as a way to demonstrate to their children why they should not talk to or trust
Living in Maryland, the narrator and her little brother Joey lived a very simple life. There mother had job that required many hours, and her father was unemployed and still in the process of trying to find a job. They lived in a very run down house in a very small poor community. One summer day, the narrator , Joey, and a group of kids from the community were bored and wanted to do something different. So,the narrator and the kids went down to one of the elders home, Miss Lottie. Miss Lottie was the old woman that everyone made stories about and for the kids they knew her as the witch. In the summer time Miss Lottie would always be in her front yard planting marigolds, which were an easy target to destroy. The kids all took part in throwing rock at Miss Lottie's marigolds, and the narrator was the coordinator. After they sprinted back to the oak tree, the narrator started to feel guilt for what she
The witch hunts in early modern Europe were extensive and far reaching. Christina Larner, a sociology professor at the University of Glasgow and an influential witchcraft historian provides valuable insight into the witch trials in early modern Europe in her article 'Was Witch-Hunting Woman-Hunting?'. Larner writes that witchcraft was not sex-specific, although it was sex-related (Larner, 2002). It cannot be denied that gender plays a tremendous role in the witch hunts in early modern Europe, with females accounting for an estimated 80 percent of those accused (Larner, 2002). However, it would be negligent to pay no heed to the remaining 20 percent, representing alleged male witches (Larner, 2002). The legal definition of a witch in this time, encompassed both females and males (Levack, 1987). This essay will explore the various fundamental reasons for this gender discrepancy and highlight particular cases of witchcraft allegations against both women and men. These reasons arise from several fundamental pieces of literature that depict the stereotypical witch as female. These works are misogynistic and display women as morally inferior to men and highly vulnerable to temptations from demons (Levack, 1987). This idea is blatantly outlined in the text of the 'Malleus Maleficarum' written by James Sprenger and Henry Kramer in the late fifteenth century. This book is used as the basis for many of the witch trials in early modern Europe (Levack, 1987). The text describes women as sexually submissive creatures and while remarking that all witchcraft is derived from intense sexual lust, a women is thus a prime candidate for witchcraft (Sprenger & Kramer, 1487). In this time period, men are seen as powerful and in control and thus rarely...
The European witch-hunts that took place from 1400 to 1800 were complete monstrosities of justice, but the brutality seemed to have been concentrated more in certain parts of Europe than other parts. This is especially true in the British Isles during the witch trials of 1590-1593, where Scotland, a country with a fourth of the population of England, experienced three times as many executions as them. Before these particular trials, England and Scotland were both only mildly involved in the hunts, but a Scottish witch’s confession in late 1590 unveiled a plot to kill King James VI by creating a storm to sink his ship. This confession led to the implementation of others and quickly festered into the widely publicized hunts throughout Scotland in the late 16th century.
The epoch of Medieval European history concerning the vast and complicated witch hunts spanning from 1450 to 1750 is demonstrative of the socioeconomic, religious, and cultural changes that were occurring within a population that was unprepared for the reconstruction of society. Though numerous conclusions concerning the witch trials, why they occurred, and who was prosecuted have been found within agreement, there remain interpretations that expand on the central beliefs. Through examining multiple arguments, a greater understanding of this period can be observed as there remains a staggering amount of catalysts and consequences that emerged. In the pursuit of a greater understanding, three different interpretations will be presented. These interpretations, which involve Brian Levack’s “The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe,” Eric Boss’s “Syphilis, Misogyny, and Witchcraft in 16th-Century Europe,” and Nachman Ben-Yehuda’s “The European Witch Craze of the 14th to 17th centuries:
Were the witch-hunts in pre-modern Europe misogynistic? Anne Llewellyn Barstow seems to think so in her article, “On Studying Witchcraft as Women’s History: A Historiography of the European Witch Persecutions”. On the contrary, Robin Briggs disagrees that witch-hunts were not solely based on hatred for women as stated in his article, “Women as Victims? Witches, Judges and the Community”. The witch craze that once rapidly swept through Europe may have been because of misconstrued circumstances. The evaluation of European witch-hunts serves as an opportunity to delve deeper into the issue of misogyny.
Wilhelm married a woman named Dortchen Wild. They had a baby in 1826, who died (Hettinga pg.68 + 108). They had a second child in 1828, and in 1832, Dortchen had a baby girl (Hettinga pg.118). Meanwhile, Jacob applied for the head librarian’s job, after the man had died in 1829 (Hettinga pg.109). Dortchen got very sick when she was helping her friend Lotte, who was very ill (Hettinga pg.118). Wilhelm died at 3 pm on December 15, 1859 (Hettinga pg.146). Jacob died on September 20, 1863 at 10 pm (Hettinga pg.149).
Writing this paper will allow my knowledge to expand on early fairy tales. I want to learn things I didn't know before, and I want to learn about the history of fairy tales. Fairy tales are not just for entertainment. They are important because it teaches the younger and older audience about morals, and it teaches about justice between the good and evil. The comparison I make between Grimm's fairy tales and modern fairy tales are huge. The morals in Grimm's tales are deeper than modern fairy tales. Jacob and Wilhelm use twisted and gory descriptions that impacted me to realize the consequences of reality. To me, the brothers are showing people that life will not be so happy, and easy. Modern tales sugar coat problematic situations, while Jacob and Wilhelm show a darker side to make their moral more meaningful and realistic to the real world.
“…Then Lady Tremaine tripped the Grade Duke, and the glass slipper shattered…but luckily Cinderella had the other slipper in her pocket. And it fit! Cinderella and the Prince were soon married. Everyone rejoiced, including Cinderella mouse friends. Filled with joy Prince Charming and Cinderella lived happily ever after.” At least that’s what Disney wants you to believe. According to “Huff Post Parents” a study shows that parents would rather read Disney’s version on fairy tales instead of the classical version. But why? I would much rather hear a story about a step sister cutting off her big toe to make a slipper fit than a fairy godmother turning a pumpkin into a carriage; it’s more entertaining. I personally know parents that don’t recommend reading this version of “Cinderella” or any other classic fairy tales to younger children; the violence is too graphic, it sends the wrong message about stepmothers and the reality of the world is misleading.
“Hansel and Grethel”, the story for children holds the cruel reality of the world, where the poor children live in a world lacking food, manners, love, and support. They are expected to grow up in the snap of a finger, without any help whatsoever, and fend for themselves. The author uses symbolism -the use of objects , thoughts, characters, and actions, to represent different meanings or ideas than the literal meaning to convey a specific message. “Hansel and Grethel” by The Grimm Brothers displays the theme of lost childhood innocence, in a world of deprivation, using symbolism of the stepmother, the bread, and the witch.
There is nothing more precious and heartwarming than the innocence of a child. The majority of parents in society want to shield children from the bad in life which is appreciated. Within human nature exists desires of inappropriate behavior; envy, deceit, selfishness, revenge, violence, assault and murder. The most well-known fairy tales depict virtue and the evil in life. Even more important, the form and structure of fairy tales suggest images to the child by which he can structure his daydreams and with them give a better direction to his life. (Bettelheim).
Literature has always been a part of society. Some is deemed superior to others and have unique, artistic merit. Some is read as adolescents. A large portion of literature for growing children is fairy tales. Modern fairy tales are about Alice falling down a rabbit hole, into Wonderland, or Dorothy traveling to Oz. The old classics are Cinderella and her glass slipper, or the adventures of Peter Pan in Neverland. Fairy tales are extremely popular around the world. Statistics show that over two-hundred million people watch fairy tale based films per year, whether it's at home or in theaters. About twelve million of them purchase the soundtrack. The new Disney princess film, Frozen, made over three-hundred million dollars in the United States box office alone. After including overseas profits, the film made over seven-hundred million dollars, demonstrating that fairy tales are still a big aspect of children's lives.
Witchcraft persecution peaked in intensity between 1560 and 1630 however the large scale witch hysteria began in the 14th century, at the end of the Middle Ages and were most intense during the Renaissance and continued until the 18th century, an era often referred to as the Enlightenment or Age of Reason. Representation of witches, nay, representation in general is a political issue. Without the power ot define the female voice and participate in decisions that affect women -similar to other marginalised groups in society- will be subject to the definitions and decisions of those in power. In this context, the power base lay with men. It can be said that the oppression of women may not have been deliberate, it is merely a common sense approach to the natural order of things: women have babies, women are weak, women are dispensable. However the natural order of things, the social constructs reflect the enduring success of patriarchal ideology. As such, ideology is a powerful source of inequality as well as a rationalisation of it. This essay will examine the nature of witchcraft and why it was threatening to Christianity.
Most modern fairytales are expected to have happy endings and be appropriate for children, nonetheless, in past centuries most were gruesome. Consequently, fairytales have been modified throughout time. The stories “Beauty and the Beast” by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont and “The Summer and Winter Garden” by Jacob and Wilherm Grimm share similarities and differences. The two stories are distinct because of the peculiar year they have been written in. LePrince de Beaumont’s story is written in London of 1783 and Grimm’s in Germany of 1812. At the time, wealthy people in London, were educated and had nannies who would read to their children; whereas, in Germany, the Grimm brothers created their own interpretation into a short story. Because many high class parents in 18th century London would not be able to spend time with their children, nannies would read “Beauty and the Beast” to them since they were intended for children and considered appropriate. In “The Summer and Winter Garden,” the Grimm’s’ story was mostly based to entertain misbehaved children and teach them the valuable lesson that everyone should be treated with kindness. The Grimm brothers’ goal in rewriting this short story is to better children’s behavior which worked quite well. Since these stories have been re-written for children, it would be safe to say the reason why parents expose the two stories to their children is because they both portray the same moral: good things happen to good people. The two interpretations of “Beauty and the Beast,” although written in separate countries, share important similarities and differences even though the authors have different interpretations and came from different cultures.
I am writing this paper because I was assigned to write it as a class project. Along the way I realized the importance of sharing the real meanings of all these stories. Stories are important because in the society we live in things are constantly changing. Fairytales change but the base of the story always remain the same no matter how many times it has been retold. It’s important to reveal the true meanings of these stories, even with its dark characteristics, because the world is dark .Children need to know that there are people that have told stories relatable to what they are going through. Fairytales help the development of children; it helps their maturity as they confront someone else’s tough situations, instilling hope of a more positive ou...
Fairy tales have been a big part of learning and childhood for many of us. They may seem childish to us, but they are full of life lessons and intelligent turnings. Components of fairy tales may even include violence, but always with the aim to provide a moral to the story. Hansel and Gretel is in itself a very interesting story to analyze. It demonstrates the way that children should not stray too far from their benchmarks and rely on appearances. In 2013, a film adaptation was produced. This film is produced for an older public and has picked up the story to turn it into a more mature and violent version. Hansel and Gretel is a German fairy tale written by the Grimm Brothers which has undergone several changes over the years and across the cultures which it touched, but for the purposes of this essay, I will stick to the original story. In the development of this essay, I will analyze the components of this tale by the Brothers Grimm based on the factors listed in the course syllabus (violence, interpersonal relationships, the function of magic and the ending), and I will then do a summary and comparison between the story and the film which was released in theaters recently.