1. What tool does the grandchild take with her to visit her grandmother? 2. What does the grandchild discover when she reaches grandmother's house?
"The Werewolf" By Angela Carter
Biography of Angela Carter Born in England in 1943 Attended the University of Bristol Interested in re-interpreting folk tales for modern times explores themes of gothic and horror, and wants to challenge readers' expectations of how men and women are "supposed" to act in these stories books include The Bloody Chamber in 1979 Questions about traditional folk tales (copy) 1. What is the P.O.V. in traditional folk tales? third person omniscient "and they lived happily ever after." 2. What are some of the standard gender roles in fairy tales? nave beauty versus wily cunning beast morals that emphasize passivity in women as a good quality ("some day my prince will come!") women are either totally innocent or wholly wicked innocent women are walking targets in fairy tales unless rescued by strong men (e.g. Little Red Riding Hood)
Reading of "The Werewolf" from The Bloody Chamber
1979 Questions on "The Werewolf (please copy) 1. How is "The Werewolf" different from a traditional fairy tale? Dark, gothic opening of the story Introduction of first person narration. Who is the narrator? A blurring of "good" and "evil." The werewolf is a sad and scared character. The young girl seems almost brutal and coldly efficient in killing her grandmother and taking over her house. Is this "blurring" a good thing in fairy tales (think of "Hansel and Gretel" is it good to push someone into an oven and turn it on ?) 2. Why is the werewolf also the grandmother (a witch)? The grandmother is both a werewolf and a witch. This is a combination of traditionally stereotyped villains into one character who is defeated by a young girl (Red Riding Hood) who is also strong, skilled and experienced in self defense (the woodcutter). Angela Carter's point? Gender roles no longer confine fairy tale characters. Writing Assignment Re-write two paragraphs of a gothic story or fairy tale you know. You may start in medius res (in the middle of the action) Leave us to guess which one it is
Some Possible fairy tales
Rapunzel Hansel and Gretel Sleeping Beauty Snow White Your choice
In The Bloody Chamber Childhood Fairy Tales Become The Stuff of Adult Nightmares. With Close Reference To The Story Say How Far You Agree With This Comment.