|
Author
|
Comment
|
Jackie
Unregistered User
(5/26/02 7:56:27 am)
|
Looking for an expert
Hello! As part of my final paper for my English Comp class, I need to include a section of inquiry where I obtain direct information from people interested or involved with the subject I am writing about. My thesis will revolve around the way fairy tales from different countries have aided in teaching the culture's various beliefs and desired traits. If anyone at all is willing to answer a few questions for me, I'd be most grateful.
Thank you for everything,
Jackie
|
catja1
Registered User
(5/27/02 11:05:43 am)
|
Re:
What, specifically, did you have in mind? Reinforcing and transmitting cultural values is one primary function of folklore; the other function is, of course, the subversion of those values. It all depends upon the specific story being told, and, more importantly, who is telling it. Take the Grimms' tales for instance -- they were systematically edited by Wilhelm Grimm to bring them more in line with the values of the middle-class readers who were buying the book. Ruth Bottigheimer's _Grimms' Bad Girls and Bold Boys_ is an excellent in-depth reading. Also, check out anything by Jack Zipes, especially _Fairy Tales and the Art of Subversion_. Good luck!
EDIT: Just reread the post -- if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them to the best of my ability. My specialty is fairy tales in Western Europe, esp. Britain, France, and Germany, particularly "Bluebeard"; if that could be useful to you, my e-mail address is ctosen@english.ufl.edu.
Edited by: catja1 at: 5/27/02 11:21:17 am
|
Midori
Unregistered User
(5/29/02 3:49:22 am)
|
cultural values
Jackie,
This is a huge topic my friend. Why not pick a single narrative and show its variants in different cultures? What is interesting is how certain narratives have an almost universal appeal (the "Armless Maiden Narrative" is all over--I have Japanese, South African, Basque, French, Eastern European versions) despite their country of origin. Perhaps within the traditional world of the women storytellers certain social conditions are similiar enough that the tensions in the rites of passage are easily shared. A little research will yield quite a few versions of this tale--but also Terri Windling's wonderful anthology of the "Armless Maiden, Stories of Surviving Childhood" might also give you some insight into how contemporary authors continue to use these traditional stories in modern ways. Every author wrote a small essay at the end of their story that you might find useful.
|
|
