Perspective

The perspective used in "The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales" by Bruno Bettelheim is purely academic. Bettelheim examines the history and longevity of various fairy tales, myths and fables, their meaning and appeal to both parents and children. There are significant differences between cultures when it comes to fairy tales, myths and fables; however the context of the stories shows the similarity. Bettelheim shows that the child's perception varies depending on the level of reality contained in the story. Bettelheim offers the perspective of both sides, those who believe that fables and myths, which do not promise a happy ending, are more realistic and therefore beneficial to a child, versus those who believe fairy tales allow children to fantasize and explore and ultimately learn to problem-solve on their own. Those who support the use of fairy tales often believe that the success of...