The Fairy Tale

Fairy tales appeal to the deepest needs and fears of children. Children find
them immensely satisfying because they address these needs in an indirect
way. Original fairy tales often use a great deal of violence and what some
might consider inappropriate content for young children. Today, many fairy
tales have been sanitized but may not be as effective in helping children
cope with their fears.

Characteristics of the Fairy Tale

setting is generic – a kingdom, a town, a village. Someplace away from
the present time
characters do not have names – they are generic as well – the king, a
maiden, the miller, the witch.
fairy tales use lots of repetition – characters may repeat key items of
dialogue.
symbolic use of numbers and patterns, especially three, seven and
twelve.
fairy tales come from an oral tradition. They use simple vocabulary,
they do not have a great deal of description and they can easily be told from
memory.
fairy tale structure is entirely narrative, with only minimal dialogue
(scene).
third person limited is usually the point of view – the child is invited
by the narrator to see into the mind of the hero only.

The Fairy Tale Pattern

Hero – represents the child.

Entry – movement into another world: into the forest, down the rabbit
hole etc.
Task – the goal, quest, talisman or other object that the hero must
obtain or achieve - represents obstacles, fears etc. that children must
overcome in real life.
Descent – a journey deeper into a symbolic underworld to overcome
symbolic demons, monsters or perils.
Ascent – the return journey which brings the hero to a more normal
world
Mentor/Advisor – hero often has a helper to assist him/her.
Return – the hero returns to home, there may be a marriage or new
union, justice is delivered – good is rewarded and evil is punished.
 DESCENT RETURN
ASCENT
ENTRY

TASK

The Fairy Tale Pattern

Fairy Tales – Small Group Presentation

1. Individually, read your fairy tale.

With your group...

2. Identify the parts of the fairy tale pattern and draw the
plot line on a piece of chart paper. Place and label all the
parts of the pattern on the plot line.

3. Identify the characteristics of the fairy tale present in your

specific fairy tale.

4. What issues, fears or themes does your fairy tale address

and how do you know?

5. What edits (if any) would you make in this fairy tale if you
were to publish it for 3-7 year old’s as a picture book ?

6. What scenes would you illustrate? Why?

7. Present your findings (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6) to the class. All group

members must speak during the presentation.