Fairtale Essay
One of the most well known, well loved and influential genre of literature is the fairy tale. A fairy tale is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “A children’s story of magical and imaginary beings and lands”. Overtime the concept of fairy tales has changed. Fairy tales are being re-written and re-illustrated constantly, which makes fairy tales appealing to every generation. Fairy tales broaden the imagination of children. They allow us gain an insight into a world of magic and adventure- a world we will never experience but fantasize about. “Fairy tales are nothing if not realistic: and it is their cynicism that keeps them lively.” (Opie, 1980, p.19)
“A characteristic of the fairy tale, as told today, is that it is unbelievable. Although a fairy tale is seldom a tale about fairy-folk and does not necessarily even feature a fairy, it does contain an enchantment or other supernatural element that is clearly imaginary.” (Opie, 1980 p.18). The origin of fairy tales is commonly unknown and more often than not never discovered by the reader. French writers Catherine Bernard, Marie-Jeanne Lhéitier, Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy are believed to be “chiefly responsible for the establishment of the fairytale as a literacy genre in Europe.” (Zipes, 2006,p.13) of the 1960s. However, it was Italian writers Giovan Francesco Straparola and Giambattista Basile who played a major role in the rise of literacy in Europe. “This is one of the best kept secrets that is well worth unlocking because it reveals just how closely tied the literacy fairy tale as genre is to spread of the civilizing process throughout Europe.”(Zipes, 2006, p.13) However, it was the influence of Boccaccio’s Decamerone that led to the production of various collections of ‘novelle’ that had an impact on the literacy fairy tale as a short narrative. Straparola was the first to publish his collection “Le piacevoli notti (1550 and 1553) from the example Boccaccio had set. Straparola was different from previous
“A characteristic of the fairy tale, as told today, is that it is unbelievable. Although a fairy tale is seldom a tale about fairy-folk and does not necessarily even feature a fairy, it does contain an enchantment or other supernatural element that is clearly imaginary.” (Opie, 1980 p.18). The origin of fairy tales is commonly unknown and more often than not never discovered by the reader. French writers Catherine Bernard, Marie-Jeanne Lhéitier, Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy are believed to be “chiefly responsible for the establishment of the fairytale as a literacy genre in Europe.” (Zipes, 2006,p.13) of the 1960s. However, it was Italian writers Giovan Francesco Straparola and Giambattista Basile who played a major role in the rise of literacy in Europe. “This is one of the best kept secrets that is well worth unlocking because it reveals just how closely tied the literacy fairy tale as genre is to spread of the civilizing process throughout Europe.”(Zipes, 2006, p.13) However, it was the influence of Boccaccio’s Decamerone that led to the production of various collections of ‘novelle’ that had an impact on the literacy fairy tale as a short narrative. Straparola was the first to publish his collection “Le piacevoli notti (1550 and 1553) from the example Boccaccio had set. Straparola was different from previous
Bibliography: Andersen, H.C. Fairy Tales: The Little Mermaid, Bristol, Parragon Book Service Ltd, 1993. Bettelheim, B. The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning And Importance Of Fairy Tales, England, Penguin, 1991. Hunt, Peter. Understanding Children’s Literature, London, Routledge, 1999. Ladybird, Snow White And The 7 Dwarfs, Ladybird Ltd, 2005. Marsoli, L.A. Mulan, NY, Mouse Works, 1998. Opie, Iona & Peter, The Classic Fairy Tales, USA, Oxford University Press, 1980. Southgate, V. Cinderella, UK, Ladybird Books Ltd, 1982. Southgate, V. Sleeping Beauty, UK, Ladybird Books Ltd, 1984. Film: Shrek, Disney, 2001.