We will be replying to my professors discussion. I will list all files and copy and paste links needed for the reply. This is to be written in MLA format

Donovan Hufnagle
Jun 26, 2022 at 9:23 AM
Class,

Once upon a time literary critic Catherine Orenstein “reveals…the intricate sexual politics, moral ambiguities, and philosophical underpinnings of Red Riding Hood’s epic journey to her grandmother’s house.” Orenstein’s book, Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked, suggests that “these ‘children’s classics’ …captured the concerns of the Court and the social and sexual politics of the seventeenth century French upper class” (28). “Little Red Riding Hood,” consequently, holds messages of hyper sexuality, contrasting to the contemporary morals we tend to, now, highlight such as do not talk to strangers. The underlining morals, though, hold much darker and adult matters. Orenstein states, “ …the tale has been a vehicle for imparting sexual ethics in keeping with the social fabric of the times” (4).

The wolf symbolizes the central argument of masculinity and femininity, underlining the message of sexual desire and conquest within the tale. Colloquially, “wolf” means sexual predator or seducer. And in this case, the wolf metaphorically and quite literally feeds his sexual hunger with the grandmother and Little Red. In the original version of the tale, Charles Perrault characterizes the wolf as a cunning and clever beast-man as well as portraying Little Red as an unknowing, perhaps, gullible female. Upon their first meeting, Little Red illustrates little caution and concern around the wolf; simultaneously, implying that she should have been aware of the dangers. The tale states, Little Red, “the poor child,” “did not know that it was dangerous to stay and talk to a wolf” (Perrault). Though subtle, the language in this passage aids in the interpretation of naïveté.

Initially, the use of “poor child” connects more with the figurative implication of inexperience rather than her age. Yes, child suggests age, a person not quite of adult status; this is also balanced by her actions after speaking with the wolf. As the story goes, Little Red “took a roundabout way, entertaining herself by gathering nuts, running after butterflies, and gathering bouquets of little flowers.” Is this a little girl thing to do? Moreover, though, the term “poor child” implies certain characteristics such as Little Red’s inexperience. In this case, “poor child” represents perceptions of her character. In particular, “poor” and “child” implies her inability to response accurately when approached by mysterious and strange situations. Like a child, she does not hesitate to clearly communicate and reveal important information with the wolf. Despite how old Little Red may be, she acts with carelessness notwithstanding her previous learning.

In conjunction with the phrase “a wolf,” not to be confused with “the wolf” or with the pronoun “him” or “it,” “poor child” emphasis her refusal to properly acknowledge the consequences of the situation. Why the pronoun “a?” The term “a wolf” indicates knowledge. And, in this tale, it appears that Little Red should have been aware of the dangers involved with talking to a wolf.

Though I went on a little tangent with my response, it does bring up some things to consider. The werewolf represents a duality in man. The myth derived from greek mythology has many connective tissues but for this response consider the duality of mans sexuality. IS our sexuality, then, our monster within? What do you think? Also, I didn’t bring it into this discussion, but isn’t the werewolf myth connected to many modern concepts such as Jekyll and Hyde, Fight Club, the Hulk, any superhero that has an alternate identity, and so on?

Dr. H

Works Cited

Orenstein, Catherine. “Cloaking the Heroine.” Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked: Sex, Morality, And The Evolution Of A Fairy Tale, Basic Books, 2003.

“. “Little Red Riding Hood: To Be Chaste–or Chased?” Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked: Sex, Morality, And The Evolution Of A Fairy Tale, Basic Books, 2003.

Perrault, Charles. “Little Red Riding Hood.” The Complete Fairytales, Oxford University Press, 2010.