English assignment

1. While reading Bruno Bettelheim’s introduction, look for his reasons for and examples of the importance of fairy tales for children. What does he say is unique to the experiences of children? Also, what does Bettelheim find in fairy tales that is not found in other kinds of children’s literature? What do fairy tales teach children?

2. What are some important biographical details Clarissa Pinkola Estes shares? What shaped her? What are her professional and cultural roles? How does she identify herself?

3. What is the Wild Woman archetype? You’ll have to try to capture some of the characteristics in a brief summary since almost the entire chapter is devoted to explaining it. Use quotations and in-text citations.

4. Compare and contrast Estes and Bettelheim, especially in their use of stories for therapy. How does Estes help female patients? How does Bettelheim help children?

5. With Vladimir Propp’s, Bruno Bettelheim’s, and Clarissa P. Estes’ ideas in mind, read one or two fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm collection (or “Aladdin” from One Thousand and One Nights Arabian Folktales). As you read the story, look for any of the concepts you find from any of the three theorists and describe in detail how the story depicts them. You may focus on the hero/ heroine, the message of the story, the structure of the plot, etc. In addition, you may focus on Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey.