The Uses Of Enchantment By Bruno Bettelheim Summary

Fairy tales are a big part of our childhood, they are the first window to real life. In the excerpt “The Uses of Enchantment” by Bruno Bettelheim, he points out all the benefits fairy tales posses and their significance to our development. He argues that classical fairy tales in contrast to modern stories have more of the “existential anxieties and dilemmas” of life kids need to familiarize in order to have the ability to understand and have a “satisfying independent” life. Undoubtedly, modern fairy tales sanitize every unpleasant aspect and leave the stories as a complete fantasy taking out any realistic aspiration. Consequently, I agree with Bettelheim due to the fact that modern versions of fairy tales leave kids thinking life is an easy

Their innocence is being so carefully cherish like a dedicated crystal ball that everyone is so afraid to break due to the fear of ruining their childhood. Yet we are giving our kids a disturbed version of the real world we make them think life is easy without any harsh obstacles. A big contribution to this is the stories we read to our kids, stories that have been designed to be soothing and comforting for our children. One significant aspect about fairy tales is the usual beginning with a tragedy related to death, aging or simply the absence of one or both parental figures. Starting with a tragedy like this is essential for many classic fairy tales like Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio and many more. Usually is the mother figures who is absence due to the fact that mother are seem as a symbol of protection and by not being present the character can be more independent. Moreover the lost of this parental figure is normally before the character embarks in his journey. This is important due to the fact that it teach kids to gain independence, bravery and courage. If the protagonist was still under their parents guidance and protection they would have not acquire knowledge to become an strong