Lauren Blanchard, Period 2, 9/21/20, Day A

 

Lauren Blanchard
Modern Mythology
Ms. Fusaro
9/21/2020


As students in a STEM school, we are taught to think logically about everything. The world abides by a set of predictable laws. If we follow a specific process or solve a particular math equation, we get a definitive answer to our question. Reading, especially fairy tales, does not have one answer. I did not realize that until this year. 

In our most recent reading, Maria Tatar makes an interesting point. Fairy tales are not supposed to have one answer. They are a symbol of real life, which is often complicated and confusing. By extension, fairy tales are also complicated and confusing, despite appearing simple at first glance. 

Cinderella's story is one of the most basic fairy tales to ever exist. (At this point, I have read almost a dozen versions of it.) Most start and end the same way. The main character begins in a perfect family or kingdom, only to have it be ripped away from her by the stereotypical evil stepmother or the father that lusts after her. She undergoes a long journey, eventually finding her way back into high society by marrying a prince, lord, or scholar. Those who wronged Cinderella usually suffer some form of brutal punishment. But does that reflect real life? I don't plan on marrying a prince, or going anywhere besides college in the near future.

As I've learned, there is no singular answer. Fairy tales showcase our inability to predict what will happen next. We might not be forced to flee from our homes or become royalty, but we could have an inopportune sports injury or be gifted a surprise present. Fairy tales encourage us to be prepared for anything. We take a journey with its characters through the best and worst times of their imaginary lives. Cinderella, in her various forms, might not have much of a personality, yet we feel what she feels. We are excited when she gets to go to the ball. We are saddened by the way she is treated. We empathize with her. This is the true magic of fairy tales: emotions.

Cognitive criticism focuses on the emotions in fairy tales' impact on its readers. It is a critical perception that puts a aside the single answer formula, and wonders about the connection between readers and what they are reading. It has softened my formerly harsh feminist perception of fairy tales to an appreciation. Fairy tales have a purpose other than to entourage little girls to be princesses. 

Understanding the inner turmoil of Cinderella's step mother might not seem necessary; however, understanding those we do not agree with is a useful social skill. We need it in group work for school and, eventually, to get us out of the unpredictable thing fairy tales have prepared us for since we were children. Author Neil Gaiman agrees. We need empathy to stop us from being "self-obsessed individuals." If we can do that, we can try to have empathy for the real people fairy tale characters symbolize. Then, maybe,  there is hope for a kinder school, a kinder city, a kinder country, and a kinder world, with the complicated lessons of fairy tales leading the way.