Perrault's Adaptation Of Little Red Riding Hood

As a child, the beloved Disney versions of fairy tales instilled the notion of the stories having a perfect ending in our minds. Hence, whenever the phrase “happily ever after” is cited, we would immediately associate it to fairy tales. However, as we mature, we realize this jejune perception is not entirely authentic. The level of complexity becomes increasingly apparent as we delve deeper into the origins; we discover the profound discrepancy between the adaptations and the antecedent renditions. Thus, the disputable question arises: is it imperative for a narrative to have a happy ending for it to be classified as a fairy tale? There may be a variety of answers from individuals due to his or her preferences and perspective, but personally, …show more content…
Referencing to the renown tale of “Little Red Riding Hood,” specifically Charles Perrault’s adaptation, it explores and employs dark themes to elucidate the moral of the story. Alluding to fairy tales educating its audience, Perrault conveys the consequences of ignorance to young girls by the means of appalling details, with Red Riding Hood willingly informing the wolf of her grandmother’s exact location and removing her clothing for the wolf due to her gullible nature (Citation). One can argue the lurid context will disturb and is unfit for the young audience, but due to the explicit details, one can also claim it underscores the importance of being wise and perceptive to our …show more content…
I believe this analysis is applicable to numerous other fairy tales. The happy endings usually divert our attention from the flawed nature of the characters and instead, paint an quixotic image, which furthers enhances our impractical expectations of the real-world. Therefore, this leads me to question the advantageous qualities of a “happily ever after”