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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. In the story who is the wolf's basic enemy?

2. According to this section of the text, some cultures have done what to fairy tales?

3. What action might a child take to express displeasure in a new situation?

4. In the end, what did the characters take as a prize?

5. What type of shelter presented itself to the characters?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the birds know about the situation that the children did not?

2. Why do some cultures insist on outlawing fairy tales?

3. What is the underlying moral of the story?

4. Others object to the immersion in a world of fantasy. Why?

5. Why is the mother seen as the villain in the story even though both parents have agreed on a solution?

6. What is the reason that the number three is significant in fairy tales?

7. How does Hansel exhibit denial when going into the forest?

8. What is ironic about outlawing fairy tales and the attitudes of the Victorian age?

9. Why does Bettelheim say that fairy tales are meant to be told, not read?

10. How does Bettelheim separate the Oedipus Complex between boys and girls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bettelheim addresses the "Pleasure Principle Versus Reality Principle." Discuss this principle and its purpose. One tale referred to in the text is the story of the Ant and the Grasshopper. Explain Bettelheim's insights regarding the principle to this particular fable. Also relate the author's thoughts on the principle in relation to The Three Little Pigs. Compare and contrast the two stories and how the principle applies to each. Which is most effective?

Essay Topic 2

Research and find an ancient myth of your choice. Convert the myth into a modern day fairy tale. Use Tolkien's outline for creating a successful story as well as Bettelheim's additions to the outline. What are the biggest changes that will need to be made? Which are the easiest? Which are the most difficult? How did the story change?

Essay Topic 3

Bettelheim was a child psychologist that specialized in working with autistic children. Examine Bettelheim's career and involvement with autism. How would an autistic child view fairy tales differently than a non-autistic child? What parts of the fairy tale would have the greatest impact on the child?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 653 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample