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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The youngest sibling may be portrayed as what?

2. What animal had more sense than the main character(s) in the story?

3. In the story who is the wolf's basic enemy?

4. In the end, what did the characters take as a prize?

5. What animal is seen at the ogre's house and thought to be most valuable?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bettelheim say that fairy tales are meant to be told, not read?

2. Explain the opinions of psychoanalysts in regards to fairy tales and violence.

3. How does Hansel exhibit denial when going into the forest?

4. What is the underlying moral of the story?

5. What is different about the existence of the targeted parent in the boy's story?

6. What is the moral involved with the children eating the gingerbread house?

7. What is the main difference in Perrault's version?

8. What is ironic about outlawing fairy tales and the attitudes of the Victorian age?

9. What is the name and crux of the original tale regarding Jack and the Beanstalk?

10. Why is the mother seen as the villain in the story even though both parents have agreed on a solution?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Benevolence is one recurring subject in the text. The author discussed how many characters and fairy tales lead a child to believe that there is always a benevolent force that will come to his aid. Additionally, it is through strength, fortitude and perhaps the intervention of a benevolent force that allows the hero to prevail and for the characters live happily ever after. Discuss benevolence. What could be seen as a benevolent force in your life? What are the moral and religious connotations involved in the presence of a benevolent force? How might it affect a child without a spiritual or religious upbringing? Would it be as effective? Does the presence of a benevolent force in the story bring hope or unrealistic expectations?

Essay Topic 2

Choose a beloved fairy tale from your childhood. Dissect the story in the same vein as the stories are analyzed in the book. Examine the various aspects, including metaphors, influences, oedipal references, moral values, psychological implications, and duplicity. Explain each area. Does the dissection change your views on the story?

Essay Topic 3

There is a great deal of information provided regarding the Oedipus Complex. Discuss the indications of this psychological issue as it applies to girls, boys, and parents. Discuss the length of the phase and if a child ever "grows out" of it. Also compare and contrast the opinions of Freud, Jung and Bettelheim regarding the topic. State your opinion on the work and beliefs of each man.

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