Old wine in a new bottle
Fairytales are cultural touchstones that provide insights across generations. One such story is “Little Red Riding Hood,” which we all grew up listening to. However, the story of innocence, danger, and triumph has evolved with contemporary themes. The newer versions, Wolf by Francesca Lia Block, The Company of Wolves by Angela Carter, and other works have turned the children’s fantasy to face the realism of the world. The original story depicts Little Red Riding Hood as a naive and vulnerable girl, but Lia’s representation raises several sensitive issues- sex, drug use, desire, and incest. It addresses race, color, and sexuality, confronting the readers about the troubling aspects of the world we live in today.
The evolution of the fairytale
The original story by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm represents a naive and vulnerable girl deceived by the cunning wolf. It served as a warning that the world is dangerous. In the newer versions, the first-person narrative interests teenage readers as the story conveys a desperate need for love. Wolf is similar to the beast in the Beauty and the Beast as both are wild and malicious characters. They are different in terms of violence. The protagonist in both stories is a girl character.
In The Company of Wolves, these images somehow display gender politics on women. The forest and wolves symbolize real-world society, while the association of her red cloak may symbolize blood and availability. Danger and desire are present to consume young girls. The wolf is a metaphor for real predatory men who exploit and harm young women. In this retelling, the girl is no longer a passive victim but one who must navigate the terrain of adult fears and dangers.
Addressing the newness
The horrors of the girl are evident when the forests close upon her like jaws. It symbolizes her fear: unsure of being able to win. At the same time, it is empowering as the girl wins with her new power i.e., sexuality. She overcomes her fear and wins over the wolves. In contrast to the original story, Carter’s story harnesses the idea of raising awareness and dealing with difficulties. The Red Riding Hood’s story theme is different from the original story. For instance, Carter’s story represents a gothic theme as the audience category has shifted.
Redefining the audience
Apart from young audiences, Block wrote for teenagers, while Carter wrote for a young adult audience. The “age” of the girl has increased to create personification. The revisions in the story have empowered Red Riding Hood by enhancing her instinct and identity. Wolf may also signify a patriarchal system of men suppressing women. In a way, it has questioned the male ego because Red Riding Hood is the aggressor now. The fight for equality draws out the archetypes and stereotypes of women. It suggests a wave of empowerment. The girl has become brave and capable enough compared to the traditional story.
How do you think these modern retellings of classic fairy tales, with their darker themes and complex characters, resonate with today’s audiences, especially teenagers and young adults? Let us know in the comments below.
