Performance of Children's Literature

CASD 1717 – Spring 2024

Traditional Little Red Riding Hoods

John Everett Millais,Painting of the artist’s daughter Effie as Little Red Riding Hood, 1864.

Please read the following Little Red Riding Hoods:

  1. “Little Red Cap” – Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm – 1812 (First collection)
  2. “Little Red Hat” an Italian/Austrian Little Red Riding Hood – collected by Christian Schneller, 1867
  3. “The Grandmother” – a French version – collected by Achille Millien in 1870
  4. “The True History of Little Golden Cap” -Charles Marelle, by way of Andrew Lang’s Red Fairy Book, 1895
Roodkapje, Illustration published in 1868 Dutch edition of Little Red Riding Hood, courtesy of Koninklijke Bibliotheek

5. Little Red Riding Hood – part of Father Tuck’s Dolly Dear series by the publisher Raphael Tuck & Sons, 1900. Courtesy of the Boston Public Library (Jordan Collection)/Archive.org.

6. “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck” – Beatrix Potter, 1908

What did you think of these variations? The theme of “stranger danger” is frequently associated with this story, but do you see any other themes emerging?

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Comments

4 responses to “More Traditional Little Red Riding Hoods”

  1. Perla Avatar
    Perla

    The various versions have many things in common, but some have more details of how Little Red Riding Hood treks on her journey to her grandmother’s house. The theme of peril from strangers is addressed in various ways, and the wolf always arrives at Grandma’s home before Little Red Riding Hood, consumes her, and dons her clothing. However, there is a difference between the stories.  For example, in one narrative, grandma’s front door is open, while in the other, it is closed. In general, however, danger is constantly there in the story, just as the topic of food and the specifics of the journey to grandmother’s home are.

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  2. Ana Palacios Avatar
    Ana Palacios

    I can notice two themes besides stranger danger. The first would be the long road, the wolf suggested to Little Red Riding Hood that she should take another road because it is full of flowers and beautiful landscapes. I believe that this represents temptation, sometimes there are paths that seem very attractive but in the end, they can lead us to perdition. The second theme, I think could be related to the violation, the wolf tried to rape Little Red Riding Hood.

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  3. Sally Zou Avatar
    Sally Zou

    I think another theme may be to not be distracted when you plan to do a thing, think before you act, and don’t be too naive and innocent toward the real world.

    Reply
  4. Suyi Zheng Avatar
    Suyi Zheng

    I think another theme in Little Red Riding Hood could be the importance of staying focused on what you want to do and not getting sidetracked by others. Sometimes, the path that seems beautiful and attractive can be quite dangerous. It’s essential to think about the consequences before making decisions.

    Reply

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