Fairy tales, though they were originally folk tales told to adults, have been a key part of childhood for centuries and remain popular today. Their patterns and morality have a profound influence on the developing mind of children; they shape the way children understand ideas of good and evil, poverty and riches, beauty and ugliness. They stimulate the imagination and provide much-needed heroes and heroines.
The deeper meaning of these tales, however, has often been lost. Rudolf Meyer explores key themes and images, such as the prince, animals, the tailor or enchantment, in well-known fairy tales. He shows how characters such as Snow White and Cinderella represent particular aspects of our own nature and how there is a deep wisdom to be found in their stories.
This book will be fascinating and insightful reading for parents and teachers.
Related Subjects
Criticism & Theory Education Education & Reference Education Theory Folklore & Mythology History & Criticism Humanities Literary Criticism Literary Criticism & Collections Literature Politics & Social Sciences Schools & Teaching Social Science Social Sciences Teen & Young Adult Textbooks