The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales

In Bettelheim’s view, how might readers of different genders respond to fairy tales? To what extent do you agree with his opinion?

What is the significance of the Animal Groom cycle of fairy tales? How do these stories help children and adolescents negotiate their relationship to sexuality?

In your opinion and with close reference to the text, why is a fairy tale’s ending so important? Do you think that the happy endings of fairy tales are unhelpfully unrealistic or an important part of encouraging child confidence?