Fairytales as a Relevant Part of a Child's Development: The Princess Bride

Introduction

A fairy tale is a narrative generally designed for children. It consists of wondrous and fanciful characters and involves a far-fetched sequence of events. The term "fairy" seems to attribute more to the incredible and enchanting ambiance or effects in a story rather than the existence of a fairy character within that story. It can also refer to something blessed with unusual happiness, though not all tales end happily. Fairy tales have been told throughout history. Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture since the gathering of people. They are traditional, and many of them were handed down from storyteller to storyteller before being documented in books. Initially, they were written as stories for young children to teach them important life lessons that would have a significant impact as they grew older. The introduction of these lessons into fairy tales helped develop their unshaped minds, making it easier to transition from childhood to adolescence and finally into adulthood. Another essential function of fairy tales is to give hope to the underprivileged. They do this by telling tales of rags to riches, providing happy endings, and showing that cleverness can set you free. They serve as a beacon of light to those in darkness. This paper explores the ways in which fairy tales benefit not only children but also society.

The Role of Fairy Tales in Child Development

Fairy tales serve as a beacon of light for those in darkness. In this context, "the poor" is a general term that refers to those undergoing mistreatment and poverty. Mistreatment can demoralize a person and put them in a constant state of poor spirits. In the movie The Princess Bride, Westley initially appears as a poor and useless farm boy living in a hovel near the animals. However, he soon emerges as a handsome man with the skills and strength to defeat the fighting champion and outsmart the leader. Fairy tales often mirror real life, offering a more hopeful perspective.

Furthermore, children can relate to the characters in these fairy tales, associating them with their personal lives. They demonstrate how to maintain a confident attitude amidst apprehension, encounters, and dilemmas. Fairy tales inspire children's imaginations and promote healthy living while exposing them to worlds different from their own. According to Sally Goddard Blythe, director of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, fairy tales are the perfect tool to help children differentiate right from wrong. Children learn the complexities of the adult world through implication. They provide forms of expression that illuminate not only our lives but also the lives of others. They recount familiar experiences and sometimes show how courage, determination, and ingenuity can be employed, even by the most powerless, to alter the course of events. Fairy tales are moral in their differentiation between right and wrong, teaching ethics and providing a common-sense moral message (Blythe, 2015).

Imagination and Emotional Development

Due to their early introduction, fairy tales ignite our imaginations. They do not always have a happy ending, which is crucial since life does not always go as planned. Fairy tales are necessary because they kindle the imagination, providing a way to mentally navigate challenges before encountering them in reality. They play a vital role in early literacy development, acting as essential building blocks. Engaging children in discussions about the occurrences in these tales helps them express their ideas more easily. They learn from the characters, allowing them to relate to situations in their personal lives. Fairy tales teach children to maintain a positive outlook when facing problems, battles, and anxieties. They foster emotional flexibility by connecting stories to real-life occurrences, where the hero often prevails. They demonstrate that life involves challenges and that one must be ready and willing to overcome them to succeed. Blythe argues that fairy tales help children understand human weaknesses and consequences, allowing them to accept many of their fears and emotions. Moreover, in many fairy tales, such as The Princess Bride, the weakest and smallest character is often the one with whom the hero identifies (Blythe, 2015).

Therapeutic and Moral Lessons

Fairy tales help growing children form an impression of what it means to be human, allowing them to understand the world around them. They provide a rich source of material for therapeutic exploration. For instance, the encounter between good and evil is a major theme that reflects the tension between identity and character. Many children and adolescents may struggle with various issues. By safely engaging with themes of danger and death through storytelling, children align with characters that resonate with their personal challenges. Fairy tales offer a safe space to explore the concept that life is not always easy and that things can go wrong. They teach that not everyone has one's best interests at heart. Additionally, good characters are typically rewarded in the end, reinforcing the importance of kindness, truth, and thoughtfulness. Blythe states that fairy tales are important not because they depict life as it is but because they bring to life the deep fears and dreams about life through fantasy. These tales offer children a means of understanding complex emotions they may not be able to articulate themselves (Blythe, 2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, children who are significantly exposed to fairy tales can derive substantial benefits. Fairy tales are a crucial component of a child's development, particularly in terms of moral growth and awareness. Children often lack the means to navigate fundamental human conflicts, relationships, and desires. Fairy tales provide a healthy way to engage with these conflicts and find solutions. They also offer a means of self-expression within the confines of a story, helping one reach a resolution when faced with internal conflicts. These elements are deeply rooted in a person's emotional and social development, potentially addressing complex problems and overcoming obstacles.

References:

Blythe, S. G. (2015). Fairy Tales and the Psychology of Children. Journal of Child Development, 45(3), 123-134.