History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends How to Write A Good Fairy Tale | Page 6

THE FUNCTION OF FAIRY TALES
The basic purpose of narrative is to entertain, to gain and hold a readers' interest. However
narratives can also be written to teach or inform, to change attitudes or to raise topical issues.
Narratives sequence people/characters in time and place but differ from recounts in that
through the sequencing, the stories set up one or more problems, which must eventually find
a way to be resolved.
Another function of fairy tales is to induce WONDER & HOPE for change (distinct from
legend, fable, etc)
WONDER

astonishment (oft regarded as supernatural omen or portent)
admiration, fear, awe, reverence

= universe in which anything can happen any time (fortune misfortune both inexplicable)
Regardless of its specific, purpose, the “wonder tale” or “fairy tail” is “a celebration of
miraculous or fabulous transformation in the name of hope that accounts for its major appeal”
(849, Zipes); a metaphor to mark the persistent human quest for utopia (existence without
restraint)
“awaken our regard for the miraculous condition of life & to evoke profound feelings of awe
and respect for life as a miraculous process, which can be altered and changed to
compensate for the lack of power, wealth, and pleasure that most people experience” (pp.
848-9, Zipes)
Fairy tales may stabilize, conserve or challenge common beliefs, laws, values and norms.
The moods and the message evoked by the narrator may be conservative, radical, sexist,
progressive, etc.
Fairy Tales symbolize material conditions, wishes, relations that exist in society
TALE TELLING crosses all boundaries: All traditions / cultures have magic, fantastic tales
(tale telling is fundamentally human). People are eager for any story / tale (new or ritual).
To the present day, everyone is exposed to some kind of storytelling.