ELA 8 Curtz 2012

Do you recognize these images?

What about these images?

And these?

Fairy tales  What do you know about fairy tales?  What are some of the earliest memories you have of them?  And, if you haven’t guessed yet....

Listening, reading and writing on fairy tales.  Our focus: is on details, how do strong, specific details change the interpretation (meaning) of a piece of writing or a piece of art?  And also...  Looking at the question: “What is the moral or deeper meaning that is illustrated by fairy tales? What were they trying to teach us?

History of fairy tales  Let’s begin with the term fairy tale.  What does it mean?  Dictionaries say: a tale about fairies or an untrue or unbelievable story.  Do you think this is what fairy tale means?

History of fairy tales  Fairy tales are often literary tales or folk tales.  Lets look specifically at folk tales.  “Folk tale” = means a tale of the folk.  And, “folk” = means (adjective) the common people of a nation.  Any ideas where we are going with this?

In the past...  Common people were illiterate. So, tales were told through generations by word of mouth and eventually recorded by individuals who are now famous for doing so.  Example:  Charles Perrault ( ) and Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm ( ; )  Do you think the brothers Grimm wrote their own fairy tales?

History of fairy tales  In many cases we don’t know how old some folk tales are!  Once a story has been told a certain way it is now gone and the next person may change is slightly, not necessarily on purpose, but because as humans- our memories are not always the best.  Game? Ever heard of “telephone”?

Our first story... Little Red Riding Hood  What do you know about the story red riding hood?  Can anyone explain the story?  Can you explain the characters?  Can you explain the setting?  Did you know one of the first recorded versions is called, “The story of Grandmother”?  Let’s read it

The story of Grandmother

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood adapted by Charles Perrault  Moral:  Children, especially attractive, well bred young ladies, should never talk to strangers, for if they should do so, they may well provide dinner for a wolf. I say "wolf," but there are various kinds of wolves. There are also those who are charming, quiet, polite, unassuming, complacent, and sweet, who pursue young women at home and in the streets. And unfortunately, it is these gentle wolves who are the most dangerous ones of all.

Charles Perrault’s Little Red Riding Hood  Why do you think Perrault wrote a “Moral” at the end of his story and what is he trying to say?  Do you think he meant for this to be directed at children or adults?  Why do you think Perrault allows Red Riding hood to die in his version?  Interesting note: Perrault wrote these also to amuse aristocratic audiences in the royal court of Louis XIV. (16 th century)

Curious Questions  In this version is the wolf still a werewolf or just a wolf?  Do you remember in “The story of Grandmother” if there was any mention of the young girl wearing a (Red Riding Hood)?  Why do you think Perrault added this?

Little Red Cap

Questions  How is this story similar to the other two stories?  How is this story different than the other two stories?  Do we see how a folktale, fairytale or story can change over time or through different interpretations?

Literature circles  Literature circles are small, peer-led discussions groups whose members have chosen to read the same story, poem, article, or book. While reading each group- assigned portion of the text (either in or outside of class), members make notes to help them contribute to the upcoming discussion, and everyone comes to the group with ideas to share. Each group follows a reading and meeting schedule, holding periodic discussions on the way through the book. When they finish a book, the circle members may share highlights of their reading with the wider community; then they trade members with other finishing groups, select more reading, and move into a new cycle. (Daniels, 2002)

Cinderella

Cinder Questions  Do you recognize this story?  Did you notice any differences ‘at all’ from what you know of the story?  What do you think the moral of the story is; what is Charles Perrault trying to tell us?

The Moral #1  Beauty in a maid is an extraordinary treasure; One never tires of admiring it. But what we mean by graciousness is beyond price and still more precious. It was this which her godmother gave Cinderella, teaching her to become a Queen. (So the moral of this story goes.) Lasses, this is a better gift than looks so fair for winning over a heart successfully. Graciousness is the true gift of the Fairies. Without it, one can do nothing; with it, on can do all!

The Moral #2  It is surely a great advantage to have spirit and courage, good breeding and common sense, and other qualities of this sort, which are the gifts of heaven! You will do well to own these; but for success, they may well be in vain if, as a final gift, one has not the blessing of godfather or godmother.

Moral questions  Now that we’ve read his (Perrault’s) two possible morals; what do you think he’s trying to tell us?  Remember – Charles Perrault wrote/adapted these in the 16 th century.  What is the meaning of materialistic or materialism?

Villains & Monsters  What do you know about villains and monsters?  Can you name a few that we’ve looked at so far in our readings?  What is their character usually like?  Do you know the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

Blue beard

Blue Beard Questions  Who do you think is the villain?  Why?  Why do you think Bluebeard has a blue beard?  Any other questions we could ask about this story?

Moral #1  Curiosity, in spite of its great charms, often brings with it serious regrets, everyday a thousand examples appear. In spite of a maiden’s wishes, it’s a fruitless pleasure, for once satisfied, curiosity offers nothing, and ever does it cost more dearly.

Moral #2  If one takes a sensible point of view and studies this grim story, he will recognize that this tale is one of days long past. No longer is the husband so terrifying, demanding the impossible, being both dissatisfied and jealous; in the presence of his wife he now is gracious enough, and no matter what colour his beard may be one does not have to guess who is master!

Rumpelstiltskin  Have you ever heard of this story before?  Can you describe the story? What happens?  Who would you guess is the antagonist?  As we read this story; try to think about why or how Rumpelstiltskin came to be who he is as a character? What happened in his past ?

Rumpelstiltskin

Rumpelstiltskin Questions  What did you think of this story?  How are Bluebeard and Rumpelstiltskin similar?  Any other questions you might have about this story?

Create your own villain or monster!  First: Draw a picture on a white piece of paper of your own creation.  On the other side; answer these questions: 1) What does your villain/monster look like? 2) What are their character traits? (ex: shy, angry, hostile, quick tempered or sly, etc.) 3) Why are they a villain/monster? (Provide some background; how did they become this way; maybe they weren’t always so mean or cruel.) Explain.