Fairy Tales 2010

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The Philosopher's Stone

This story is different from a fairy tale, but it is definitely a fairy tale for a few reasons. First, there is magic. This story exhibits different types of magic throughout the plot. Therefore, this story exists in a world that is more suited for a fairy tale. Also, there is a transformation, which we have discovered is extremely fairy-tale like. There is also a predominate good and evil. The main character begins with a lack of something that he wants, and he must be tested before the story is over. There is a main theme that can be identified, and this is the lesson to be learned. Certain traits that King Mark exhibits are exemplified and respected (ex. when he is listening in the cave, it specifically says "If it were not for the limitless patience, a virtue most characteristic of the species of beast to which he now belonged, that lent him strength, it would have been impossible for him to prevent the fury that was boiling..."). It is easy for us to understand what is good and what is bad. We see the benefits and rewards of certain characteristics and actions. Therefore, even though this story is quite a bit longer than other fairy tales we have read, and it has more detail and development, it is still a fairy tale.

2 comments:

  1. I think the fact that you bring up that this story can be longer and more detailed and developed but still be a fairy tale is important. It incorporates so many characteristics of fairy tales but at the same time is so very different in the depth and interpretation that if offers. I also found it interesting the correlations that you made with the characteristics of fairy tales of there being a clear sense of good and evil, a main structure of fairy tales- lack of something, test to get it etc.

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  2. Your blog reminds me of the beginning of the semester when we spoke about the components of a fairy tale. It also reminds me of Propps abbreviated plot elements that we spoke about in the middle of the semester. I like that you clearly broke down the relationship between this tale and fairy tales in general. Even though this story is lengthier than most fairy tales, as you have suggested, its resemblance to traditional fairy tales is still apparent.

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