German 270: From the Grimms to Disney
Spring 2010

Study Guide for In-Class Test: March 9, 2010: Names beginning with A-L in ECSC II, 119 (regular classroom) + M-Z in Herter 227

This test will consist of multiple-choice questions (30 points) and short essays (7 out of 11 topics). It is intended to monitor your knowledge of the assigned readings and class lectures over the course of the semester and will cover material from the beginning of the semester through the “Sleeping Beauty” unit.

For this test you will need to know:

definitions of relevant concepts
approximate dates of major authors/works (e.g., Grimms = first half of 19th century)
authors/titles
differences between versions of the same tale
historical background of major works
general arguments of the critics we have been reading

List of possible topics:

Charles Perrault:

when? (century)
what?
names of 8 tales in his collection
versions of his tales assigned in class
historical/cultural context: where
intended audience
values stressed

DEFA Fairy Tales

when
what cultural context
changes to the tales
intended audience
values stressed

Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm

when? (century)
1810-1812 v. later editions: general nature of changes, who made changes
versions of his tales assigned in class
historical/cultural context: where
for whom did they write the tales
difference between Grimms’ and Perrault’s versions of tale
myth of Grimms collecting tales
themes of many Grimms’ tales
values stressed
characterization of villain

Walt Disney/Disney Corporation

versions of tales
changes made to older versions
values stressed
themes
characterization of villain
characterization of “good fairies”
marketing strategies
intended audience
cultural context

Reading v. watching fairy tales

Sanitizing folk tales over time (Zipes, Bottigheimer)

sexuality
bodily functions
obscenity
violence

Tales as a tool to teach children lessons

punishments for misbehavior
rewards for good behavior
Alice Miller’s position on harsh discipline in “Poisonous Pedagogy”
18th & 19th century German educational techniques quoted by Miller
Struwwelpeter
feminist/non-feminist lessons in tales (Lieberman, Gilbert & Gubar, Snyder, Zipes)
Bruno Bettelheim
Zipes on “Abandonment & Abuse”

Cartoons & War: Disney’s propaganda & wartime films

Tales covered:

versions of “Hansel & Gretel”
versions of “Snow White”
versions of “Sleeping Beauty”

Short Essay Questions
You will be asked to answer seven of the following short essay questions: Be as specific as you can. Longer answers are better than very brief ones. You can list the main points in bullet format if relevant. You will have the choice of all of these options on the exam. (10 points apiece = 70 points total)

1) Compare the earliest to the final version of the Grimms’ “Hansel & Gretel.” What types of changes did they make over time? How does that change the story?

2) What aspects of the Grimms’ tales do Americanized versions tend to leave out? Give specific examples.

3) What is “poisonous pedagogy” and what is Alice Miller’s position concerning it?

4) Compare Perrault’s and the Grimms’ versions of Sleeping Beauty. How do they differ? How does that change the meaning of the story?

5) How does Disney usually modify European tales for an American audience? Give at least six examples.

6) What are characteristic elements of the DEFA fairy tales? Give examples.

7) What aspects of fairy tales do feminist scholars tend to criticize? Give specific examples from one article you have read this semester.

8) What is the “myth” of how the Grimms’ published their tales? What is the reality of the situation? What facts undermine the myth? Give at least five examples.

9) What are the physical attributes of the Disney villains as opposed to the good fairies? Be specific and as thorough as you can.

10) What is Jack Zipes’s general position on fairy/folk tales? Choose one or two of his essays and demonstrate his critical approach with specific arguments and examples.