Which evidence supports the conclusion that the Grimms’ fairy tales were not meant for children?
A. The tales are from the past and were collected through interviews.
B. Some of the tales discuss wars and other conflicts of the time.
C. Many of the stories tell about the horrifying and brutal treatment of children.
D. The stories and the custom of storytelling are a timeless pastime for children.
E. The tales often reveal the harsh living conditions of the 19th century.
Evidence Supporting Grimms’ Fairy Tales Not Meant for Children
When examining the evidence supporting the conclusion that the Grimms’ fairy tales were not intended for children, several key points come into focus:
A. The Tales Are from the Past and Collected Through Interviews
One piece of evidence indicating that the Grimms’ fairy tales were not solely intended for children is the fact that they were collected from traditional folk tales of the past and often involved adult themes. The origins of these tales suggest a wider audience than just children.
B. Some Tales Discuss Wars and Other Conflicts
Many of the Grimms’ fairy tales touch on themes of war and conflict, which are not typically central to children’s stories. The inclusion of such mature themes suggests that these tales were crafted with a broader audience in mind.
C. Horrifying and Brutal Treatment of Children in Many Stories
Sonya Arntzen, a scholar of German literature, highlights that numerous Grimms’ tales depict horrifying and brutal treatment of children, such as in “Hansel and Gretel” or “The Juniper Tree.” These dark and sometimes violent elements support the argument that these narratives were not exclusively for young audiences.
D. Timeless Pastime vs. Intended Audience
While storytelling is indeed a timeless pastime enjoyed by people of all ages, the specific content and themes within the Grimms’ fairy tales suggest that they were crafted with a more mature audience in mind. The complexity and depth of these tales go beyond simple entertainment for children.
E. Revelations of Harsh Living Conditions in the 19th Century
Another aspect of the Grimms’ fairy tales that hints at their intended audience is the depiction of harsh living conditions prevalent in the 19th century. By weaving these societal realities into their tales, the Grimms likely aimed to address and reflect upon issues relevant to adults during that time.