Fairy tales are a construct of the community and context from which they are born. Being a critical reader means we must be able to identify the aspects of these stories that are unique to a culture, and be able to talk about why these changes are evident.
Task Two:
SurLaLune contains a number of fairy tale variations. In your own time, select a fairy tale you are familiar with. Use the link on the lower right side of the page to access the website. Task Three:
Structuralist Theory Vladimir Propp's critical theory considers the common elements within fairy tales and proposes to categorise these, which allows us to analyse the structure of different tales and how they may interpret the conventional aspects. For further reading, click on the second link on the right hand side of this page. Task Four:
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Task Five:
- Read Chandler's article on intertextuality and genre, which can be accessed using the link below. Make notes on Chandler's key arguments in the article in your workbook OR complete a journal article summary sheet, located on the "Resources" page of this Weebly.
Feminism in Literature
In class we have been considering the different strands of feminism, and the implications for literature. The notes from these lessons can be found on the link below. Task Six:
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Extension Task:
Have a go at applying one of the ideas in the readings/theories we have looked up in class to a fairy tale of your choosing fairy tale and write a justification for any differences using your chosen theory. There are some extra critical theory readings below that you can use to help you.
Have a go at applying one of the ideas in the readings/theories we have looked up in class to a fairy tale of your choosing fairy tale and write a justification for any differences using your chosen theory. There are some extra critical theory readings below that you can use to help you.
Independent Close Study: Psychoanalytic Theory
Consider the writings of Sigmund Freud. Freud set aside his physical analysis of the brain to turn his focus to the study of the mind and the related psychological attributes making up the mind, including personality development. This can be applied to how we read text, which is referred to as psychoanalytic theory. Consider doing some further reading on Freud's theories relating to the mind. |
Carl Jung's writings exemplify this theory through his definition of literary archetypes. Read a summary about Jung's notions on archetype by clicking on the link below, then search yourself for other primary material on the psychoanalysts and decide where you stand on this idea.
Do Jung and the other psychoanalysts raise some via points for critical reading, or do you think there are flaws to the argument? It is up to you to decide!
Do Jung and the other psychoanalysts raise some via points for critical reading, or do you think there are flaws to the argument? It is up to you to decide!
Task Seven:
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Remember, the title of this unit is "Text, Values and Culture" - so in your study of psychoanalytic theory, you are already beginning to consider the different influences that surround the reading of a text. This includes the application of a particular theory to the cultural differences associated with a fairy tale.
Appropriation
Task Eight:
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