Charles Perrault’s fairy tales may seem simple and thus more suitable for children, yet their historical and cultural significance cannot be overstated. These tales are landmark pieces in literature that marry moral lessons with satire and imaginative storytelling, diverging from the purely didactic nature of earlier children's books. While they entertain, they also played a pivotal role in a significant cultural debate in 17th-century France.

The Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns

Perrault's tales emerged during a period of intense intellectual debate in France, often referred to as the "Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns." This debate featured Perrault on the side of the "moderns," advocating for contemporary literature, including works by female authors, against Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux, who championed classical literature. The modern camp, represented by Perrault's fairy tales, argued for a literature that reflected the evolving human values and morals of the time.

In stark contrast to classical myths, Perrault’s stories ensured that no transgression went unpunished, thereby reinforcing a moral order. Unlike in classical narratives where the whims of gods often went unchecked, his tales presented a world where justice prevails. For example, Bluebeard’s execution stands in contrast to classical stories where figures like Hera act with impunity. This shift towards accountability and morality in storytelling provided a fresh perspective on human ethics.

Women's Roles and Representation

One of Perrault’s most controversial claims, which drew the ire of his critics, was that contemporary society treated women more humanely than the ancients did. His tales often featured women as central characters, providing them with agency and importance. Out of the eight major tales, only three prominently featured male protagonists, while stories like "Riquet with the Tuft" shared the spotlight equally with a decisive female character.

Although some stories have faced criticism for promoting passive female roles, such as "Sleeping Beauty" and "Cinderella," Perrault believed he was offering a more nuanced portrayal of women. The audience is meant to empathize with and understand these female characters beyond their superficial roles. Aurora, for instance, is not merely a passive figure awaiting rescue; she is integral to the story’s emotional arc, inviting readers to engage with her journey. This portrayal was seen by some as a progressive depiction that gave women a more significant role in literature and society.

Christian Imagery and Morality

In addition to advancing more humane moral values, Perrault’s tales also attempted to align with Christian beliefs, replacing pagan figures with Christian symbolism. For instance, the "fairy godmother" in Cinderella is rooted in the concept of "la Marraine" from French folklore, a figure reminiscent of the Virgin Mary. Perrault cleverly adapted these figures into fairies to avoid offending Christian sensibilities, yet the underlying Christian ethics were clear to his readers.

The tales are imbued with themes of redemption and morality akin to Christian narratives. Characters like Riquet’s fairy resemble guardian angels, while the fairies in "Sleeping Beauty" represent the constant struggle between good and evil, a common motif in Christian allegories. This blending of folklore with Christian iconography helped make the stories relatable to Perrault’s contemporaries.

The Creation of the Tales

Although Perrault claimed the tales originated from his son Darmancour’s copybook, it is widely accepted that he was the primary author. Whether Darmancour contributed or not, the tales were a reflection of the literary and cultural trends of the time. The late 17th century in France saw a flourishing of fables and folk stories, appealing to both adult and child audiences.

Perrault’s intention was to reach children as well as adults, and he recommended in the periodical Le Mercure galant that these stories be read to young minds. He saw them not only as a form of entertainment but also as educational tools, capable of instilling valuable moral lessons through their engaging narratives. The tales' enduring popularity attests to their ability to capture the imagination and convey meaningful truths across generations.