Question

Which evidence best supports the conclusion that the Grimms’ fairy tales were not meant for children? Check all that apply.

Answer 1

The Grimm´s fairy tales have often been told to children of our time as bedtime stories and have also been used to produce movies that are known and cherished by many. For many years people believed that these were tender and great stories of love, heroism, selflessness and learning. However, in recent years new studies have found that in fact, the original Grimms´ fairy tales were really dark and not for young audiences as their purpose was really to capture in writing the tales and stories that had been told in Europe for centuries. It has been learned that after almost six editions the brothers Grimm, two German-born siblings, decided to alter the stories they had originally compiled and re-wrote them so that they would be acceptable for 19th century religious puritans in Europe and it is the stories that came after the seventh edition the ones we know and love today. As said before, the Grimms´ purpose was to entertain the masses, but originally, they wanted to just capture the stories as they were told verbally by people in Europe. Thus, after analysing the stories, it was found that they protrayed brutality against children and adults and the conflicts that arose throuhout time in Europe and the harsdhips of European living. This is why, the correct answers would be B, C and E.

Answer 2

• Some of the tales discuss wars and other conflicts of the time.
• Many of the stories tell about the horrifying and brutal treatment of children.
• The tales often reveal the harsh living conditions of the 19th century.