Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Do you think these stories are just meant for children? Why or why not? What can adults relate to in these tales?
- Would you be more likely to get ahead in the tales if you're clever or compassionate? Ruthless and cunning?
- How are the tales structurally similar to one another? How are they different?
- Youngest siblings seem to get all the luck and all the glory in these stories. What would your survival strategy be if you were a first or second child in these fairy tales?
- How is winning a spouse by disenchanting him or her any different from arranged marriage?
- If you had kids, which tales would you read to them, or alternately, which tales would you refuse to read them? Why?
- Who seems to be the target of violence in most of the tales? Any patterns you notice?
- How do the tales situate the individual in relation to institutions (ranging from small, like the family, to large, like the nation)?
- Do you think these tales give you a clear picture of German culture at the time?