The Glass Slipper: Charles Perrault's Tales of Times Past

by Charles Perrault

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Topics for Discussion

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1. Dive into a comparison between Perrault's classic tale "Cinderella" and Disney's enchanting animated adaptation. What alterations does Disney introduce to this timeless narrative? Which version captures your heart?

2. Perrault's "Little Red Ridinghood" delivers a grim finale with the young girl falling prey to the wolf, while the Brothers Grimm offer a more optimistic conclusion in "Little Red Cap." Which of these endings resonates with you as the more fitting conclusion?

3. In an era when the written word was a luxury, storytelling was the lifeline of folklore. What are the benefits of tales spun by a storyteller's voice rather than confined to the pages of a book?

4. Bierhorst chooses to place Perrault's moral lessons in an appendix. Do these morals enhance the tales or diminish them? Should Bierhorst have preserved Perrault's original placement at the conclusion of each story?

5. In "Hop o' My Thumb," the ogre stands out as the sole villain, yet his family also bears the brunt of his misdeeds. Is this portrayal unjust? Is it right for Hop o' My Thumb to deceive the ogre's wife and claim her wealth as his own?

6. The clever feline in "Puss in Boots" is a master of deception. Should trickery be grounds for reward? If not, how does this perceived injustice ripple through the narrative?

7. Perrault's rendition of "Cinderella" remains one of the most cherished fairy tales. What do you believe contributes to the lasting allure of this story?

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