We all know the stories of the Grimm brothers, but the ones we know are hardly as gruesome as their first edition. Jack Zipes, professor emeritus of German and comparative literature at the University of Minnesota, decided to take it upon himself to translate the Grimm brother's first edition of tale to English.
Through the translation and study of the Grimm brother's first edition, Zipes has learn that many of the stories we know to day were altered to follow the society of Germany's middle class during that time. It makes sense that the brothers would want to appeal to a larger readership to increase profit and such, but the stories of their first edition seem so horrifying that they probably weren't even made for children. These stories include families butchering each other, and a mother threatening to eat her children out of starvation. It was even decided that these first stories were probably more for oral tradition and to be passed down by word of mouth.
All stories should be told, and it's good that this one is being translated; however, I think there is a reason that the brothers changed them in the first place. The stories of their first edition seem unsuitable for small children, but I am not going to stop anyone from reading. Whatever interested you is what you should read. To be honest I would like to read this translated collection of stories even though they are very grim.
Flood, Allison. "Grimm Brothers’ Fairytales Have Blood and Horror Restored in New Translation." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited, 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.
I have read Grimms Fairy Tales and it is interesting to see how western culture has made the stories a lot more family friendly (thanks Disney) but i enjoy the originals because they convey the theme of the story better by going to extremes.
ReplyDeleteThe Grimms Fairy Tales are bomb af. Seriously, why Disney have to change them. Wlat disnae don know nothin about anthing but racism. You no he hatted jews right?? I cant deal guys. Lorde flippd out at the AMA'S AND IM STILL TERRIFIED. Lorde's dancing is the reason white ppl r starving. Lookin at her makes me vomit. You know wut else makes meh vomit????? PDA. Keep ya hands and feet to yaself. NO ONE WANTS TO SEE YOU TOUNGIN YOUR GIRL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqnS2LzyDOs. I like to take selfies with other guy friends... preferably shirtless... its not gay though.
ReplyDeleteI hate to read but enjoy reading thrilling stories. I think that any book can be revised to fit a particular audience and if that is what the brothers had to do to get people to read their book, it is a good idea. I agree with you. If something interests you and there is a book about it, you should't be held back from reading it because of something stupid. I know this first hand. I used to want to read the 5th and 6th grade books when I was in elementary school, but my mom forced me to read the books on my grade level.
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