Darnton goes as far as to show that it certainly was much more than children who listened to these stories. Clergymen, French refugees, and bourgeoisie benefitted mostly from these tales, indicating that these fairy tales were a socio-political response to more than just folklore to scare and excite little children. There is deep symbolism that, in their young imaginations, they are not yet capable of understanding.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My thoughts...
Well, obviously, since Bettelheim's argument was to highlight the importance of fairy tales in children's literary repertoire, I'd have to say Darnton's essay is more productive in separating fairy tales from children's entertainment. By going into detail on the psychoanalytical interpretation of the texts like "Little Red Riding Hood," I mean, how much more detached from children's literature can you get? Menstruation, virginity, sterility...not really kid-appropriate.
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I agree with the second half of your response, but as far as the first part goes, Bettelheim says that those interpretations of the tales are not part of what the stories originally held. But yes, overall, I agree.
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