Module Seven: Finding Ourselves in Fairy Tales

Introduction

• Theme: Issue-based Narrative Psychology
• Objectives:
  • Establish strategies for introducing story material into work/life.
  • Select appropriate stories to mirror psychological experiences.

Fairy Tales and Life Challenges

• Key Question: How do fairy tales illuminate life's challenges?
• Concept: Women undergo constant transformation, facing key life transitions and challenges.
• Approach: Use fairy tales as narratives to explore and understand psychological issues.

Examples of Fairy Tales for Specific Challenges

1. Sexual Abuse and Parental Abuse

• The Handless Maiden
  • Represents dismemberment and loss of life force.
• All Kinds of Fur (Grimm)
  • Deals with themes of escaping abusive family situations.
  • Symbolizes transformation and hidden beauty.

2. Generic Cruelty

• The Juniper Tree (Grimm)
  • Stepmother's cruelty and transformation; rebirth and justice.

3. Rape

• Sleeping Beauty Variations
  • Older versions (e.g., Sun, Moon, and Talia) involve non-consensual impregnation.
  • Need subversion and careful handling of endings.

4. Domestic Violence

• Bluebeard
  • Symbolizes escape from abusive relationships.

5. Addiction

• The Red Shoes (Hans Christian Andersen)
  • Represents loss of control and the cycle of addiction.

6. Bereavement

• Vasilisa the Beautiful (Slavic)
  • Mother’s blessing and guidance through a magical doll.

7. Loneliness and Not Fitting In

• The Ugly Duckling
  • Transformation and acceptance of individuality.

Working with Fairy Tales Across Life Stages

• Children:

  • Preschool: Focus on central images, role inspiration.
  • Ages 6-12: Logical thought, motivation, thematic wholes.
  • Adolescence: Abstract thinking, identity, narrative construction.

• Developmental Themes in Fairy Tales:

  • Abandonment fears, family conflicts, social maturity, courage development.

Use of Fairy Tales with Children

• Approach:

  • Allow intuitive discovery of narratives.
  • Avoid promoting a specific moral or interpretation.

• Bruno Bettelheim's Insights:

  • Fairy tales address struggles against life's difficulties.
  • Promote understanding of duality in human existence.

• Angela Carter’s Perspective:

  • Fairy tale families mirror real-world familial dysfunction.

Methods of Engaging Children with Fairy Tales

• Choosing Appropriate Stories:

  • Look for empowerment stories (e.g., Hansel and Gretel).

• Active Storytelling:

  • Use prompts and choice points to alter narratives.
  • Allow story manipulations to relate to children’s realities.

• Eliciting Stories from Children:

  • Use physical prompts and toys.
  • Encourage creation of new stories or alternate endings.
  • Focus on magic and safe objects.

Conclusion

• Engagement: Encourage forum discussions on favorite fairy tales and their potential insights.
• Upcoming Module: Will explore alternative ways of working with fairy tales beyond narrative focus.