Archetypal Elements In Little Red Riding Hood
Around the world, fairy tales have been to children for many centuries. These stories let children experience the wonders of unimaginable worlds with strange creatures and events. Fairy tales are thought to be vital to children and society because they develop the imagination and critical thinking skills that are necessary in adulthood. Undeniably, fairy tales have withstood the test of time due to their appeal to both children and adults. As seen by analyzing the history, archetypal elements, and the psychological values, the “Little Red Riding Hood” by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm brings
The history of the “Little Red Riding Hood” indicates why this unique fairytale has and always will stand the test of time. “Little Red Riding Hood” was originally …show more content…
Little Red-Cap’s red hood is one of the most important symbols in the story. The color red symbolizes blood, sacrifice, passion, and death, also love, youthfulness, and strength. Little Red Cap wears the red cap, which suggests that she is young and naive. Another element in the story is the evil wolf, who represents a devil figure. Little Red Cap first comes across the wolf in the woods, where he decides he wanted to eat her. Being young and innocent, “She did not know what a wicked animal he was, and was not afraid of him” (Ashlimen). The Wolf acts friendly and kind around Little Red Cap, even though he has thoughts of killing her and her grandmother. Later on, the Wolf eats the grandmother, then disguises himself as the grandmother in order to trick Little Red Cap. This plan ends up working, so he eats Little Red Cap. A common interpretation of the wolf is the French intruders during the French Revolution, which was an occurring event during the time that the fairy tale was written. Sherry Lake further states, “The voracious and cunning manner of the wolf reflect the political fate of the German states under foreign rule” (Lake). The last archetypal element is the woods and forest that Little Red Cap goes through. A forest commonly represents evil, lost, and fear. Upon entering
The history of the “Little Red Riding Hood” indicates why this unique fairytale has and always will stand the test of time. “Little Red Riding Hood” was originally …show more content…
Little Red-Cap’s red hood is one of the most important symbols in the story. The color red symbolizes blood, sacrifice, passion, and death, also love, youthfulness, and strength. Little Red Cap wears the red cap, which suggests that she is young and naive. Another element in the story is the evil wolf, who represents a devil figure. Little Red Cap first comes across the wolf in the woods, where he decides he wanted to eat her. Being young and innocent, “She did not know what a wicked animal he was, and was not afraid of him” (Ashlimen). The Wolf acts friendly and kind around Little Red Cap, even though he has thoughts of killing her and her grandmother. Later on, the Wolf eats the grandmother, then disguises himself as the grandmother in order to trick Little Red Cap. This plan ends up working, so he eats Little Red Cap. A common interpretation of the wolf is the French intruders during the French Revolution, which was an occurring event during the time that the fairy tale was written. Sherry Lake further states, “The voracious and cunning manner of the wolf reflect the political fate of the German states under foreign rule” (Lake). The last archetypal element is the woods and forest that Little Red Cap goes through. A forest commonly represents evil, lost, and fear. Upon entering