readingvicariously's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting and thought-provoking Freudian analysis of classic fairy tales. Used as a textbook in my Critical Theory class on psychoanalyzing fairy tales. I don't agree with everything Bettelheim professes, but it is cool to look at these classic stories in a way I haven't before.
bubblescotch's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
This is a rather dated book, and from an author who's been quite controversial for a variety of reasons (including, in fact, plagiarizing parts of this book--spicy!), but this is also one of the classic touchstones of academic work on fairy tales and children's literature. It's useful to have in your back pocket because, if for no other reason, other, later (better) scholars and writers thinking about this stuff will reference him and his ideas. There are certainly moments of genuinely insightful analysis here. There's also quite a bit of "oof."
lilanxin's review against another edition
4.0
Bruno Bettleheim is an eloquent writer with a great eye for detail! This book explores themes and symbolisms in fairytales with reference to sexual maturation from childhood to adulthood, the attachments we foster throughout life and ultimately, our journey to emotional independence.
Having said that Part 1 is definitely the weaker section of the book. It contains very general chapters that have almost a 'stream of consciousness feel', where the information is barely structured and may (or may not) relate to the title of the section. There were also plenty of repetition which made me feel that certain areas had a lack of focus.
Part 2 is where I think Bettleheim's writing shined. Each chapter was a focused account of literary analysis on a particular fairy tale.
The constant references to a child's oedipal conflicts and Freudian ideology made me cringe many times. And there were sections that felt outlandish or overblown, but they still held my interest! While I wasn't convinced about everything that was written, this is an amazing retrospective look on the ideas fairytales encompass about facets of our inner identity and its stages of development.
Having said that Part 1 is definitely the weaker section of the book. It contains very general chapters that have almost a 'stream of consciousness feel', where the information is barely structured and may (or may not) relate to the title of the section. There were also plenty of repetition which made me feel that certain areas had a lack of focus.
Part 2 is where I think Bettleheim's writing shined. Each chapter was a focused account of literary analysis on a particular fairy tale.
The constant references to a child's oedipal conflicts and Freudian ideology made me cringe many times. And there were sections that felt outlandish or overblown, but they still held my interest! While I wasn't convinced about everything that was written, this is an amazing retrospective look on the ideas fairytales encompass about facets of our inner identity and its stages of development.
ashkiryn's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5 stars
It was interesting, and I especially liked the ending, but it was definitely dated, heterosexist and heteronormative, and I really didn't like the author's elitist attitude towards more "modern" fairy tales/retellings.
He especially seemed to take umbrage at Disney movies, and refused to see them as having any merit whatsoever--but in the section where he talks about the Brothers Grimm's Sleeping Beauty, he says that it's "deficient because the evil fairy is not punished". Well, by this logic, then the Disney movie version must have some superior merits, because it does punish the evil fairy--but he doesn't bring it up once, or acknowledge that. Even though he made a point in trashing the Disney movie versions of Snow White and Cinderella when he was talking about those stories. I just feel that he should have been more fair and objective, and not obviously ruled by his biases.
It was interesting, and I especially liked the ending, but it was definitely dated, heterosexist and heteronormative, and I really didn't like the author's elitist attitude towards more "modern" fairy tales/retellings.
He especially seemed to take umbrage at Disney movies, and refused to see them as having any merit whatsoever--but in the section where he talks about the Brothers Grimm's Sleeping Beauty, he says that it's "deficient because the evil fairy is not punished". Well, by this logic, then the Disney movie version must have some superior merits, because it does punish the evil fairy--but he doesn't bring it up once, or acknowledge that. Even though he made a point in trashing the Disney movie versions of Snow White and Cinderella when he was talking about those stories. I just feel that he should have been more fair and objective, and not obviously ruled by his biases.
olivia_ruth's review against another edition
2.75
Essentially Freudian fan-fiction, except it is non-fictionÂ
jessmaeshelley's review against another edition
4.0
"Fairy stories provide reassurance to children that they can eventually get the better of the giant." - p.g 28
Fascinating. Bettelheim grounds the truth of the importance of fairy tales and the positive psychological impact it can have on a childs growth. I feel more adamant than ever, that fairy tales are the cure-all armoured gifts needed for a healthy evolution and life. Without, I don't think I would have had an inch of hope or belief.
Fascinating. Bettelheim grounds the truth of the importance of fairy tales and the positive psychological impact it can have on a childs growth. I feel more adamant than ever, that fairy tales are the cure-all armoured gifts needed for a healthy evolution and life. Without, I don't think I would have had an inch of hope or belief.