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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. An adult may take a childhood fairy tale and turn it into what?

2. At what age do fairy tales begin to have real meaning for a child?

3. Historically speaking, a child's mind was formed by all but which one of the following?

4. Fairy tales are often thought to provide what to a child?

5. Regardless of the content of the story, what two cultures call all such stories fairy tales?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the two developmental crises referred to by the author?

2. What use do fairy tales have in the life of a child?

3. What did Dr. Sigmund Freud think about the purpose behind the story of Oedpius?

4. Explain the difference of fairy tales in various cultures. Are they all considered to be fairy tales?

5. Fairy tales encourage the belief that there is always something waiting at the end of the story. What is it? Why is it given?

6. What has often been done to remove violence from fairy tales? What is the result?

7. When does the oedipal period begin to appear in a child's life?

8. Why have some parents and educators outlawed fairy tales?

9. How does Dickens' statement relate to the conflict of allowing children to experience fairy tales?

10. Bruno Bettelheim quotes Charles Dickens on fairy tales. What does Dickens say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Study Charles Perrault's version of "Little Red Cap" with the version of "Little Red Riding Hood" made most popular by the Brothers Grimm. Examine how the cultural differences and societal values changed the basic impact of the story. Also examine the two different endings. How does each impact a child on a psychological level? Which is the most beneficial for a child's development? Cite references from psychological journals to back up your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

Benevolence is one recurring subject in the text. The author discussed how many characters and fairy tales lead a child to believe that there is always a benevolent force that will come to his aid. Additionally, it is through strength, fortitude and perhaps the intervention of a benevolent force that allows the hero to prevail and for the characters live happily ever after. Discuss benevolence. What could be seen as a benevolent force in your life? What are the moral and religious connotations involved in the presence of a benevolent force? How might it affect a child without a spiritual or religious upbringing? Would it be as effective? Does the presence of a benevolent force in the story bring hope or unrealistic expectations?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the purpose and use of fairy tales in these areas of development in a child's life such as intellect, family relationships, social interaction, skill sets, fantasizing, autonomy, and maturity. Write a 250-word essay on each item and give examples and references to the stories used in the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 763 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample