Grimms' Fairy Tales Coming of Age Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Tale.Page)

Quote #7

The gate was locked, but she was prepared to take out the drumstick. Yet, when she began unfolding the cloth, she found it was empty. […] She wanted to rescue her brothers but did not have a key to the glass mountain. So the good sister took a knife, cut off a little finger, stuck it in the gate, and was fortunate enough to unlock it. (The Seven Ravens.92)

Sacrifice. It's not for the weak. You didn't need that finger anyway, right?

Quote #8

The witch intended to close the oven door once Gretel had climbed inside, for the witch wanted to bake her and eat her too. But Gretel sensed what she had in mind and said, "I don't know how to do it. How do I get in?" […] Then Gretel gave her a push that sent her flying inside and shut the iron door and bolted it. (Hansel and Gretel.57-58)

Gretel has spent a lot of this tale crying (when their parents abandon them multiple times, when the witch captures them, and so on), but in this scene she finally grows up and shows that she has what it takes to survive childhood.

Quote #9

At length the three of them traveled together and came to an anthill. The two oldest wanted to smash it and watch small ants crawl around in fright and carry away their eggs, but Simpleton said, "Leave the little creatures in peace. I won't let you disturb them." (The Queen Bee.232)

Once a bully, always a bully. Kindness always goes a long way in fairy tales, especially when it comes to gaining help that aids you in winning a princess's hand. Being a brute, on the other hand, probably means you'll remain princess-less for a while yet.