The Differences In Approaches To Fairy Tales Between Brothers Grimm And H.C. Andersen

Discuss the differences in approaches to fairy tales between Brothers Grimm and H.C. Andersen, with reference to at least two tales from each of the authors.

The Brothers Grimm and H.C. Andersen approach each of their fairy tales differently in order to carry across the message which they deem to be important for all people to understand. The Brothers Grimm approach their fairy tales with a mindset that if a person shows goodness or kindness at any point, regardless of the reasoning, then they will live a happy life as the world will mirror that goodness and kindness back to them. This can be seen in “The Frog King” and in “Rapunzel”. H.C. Anderson displays an alternative approach to how the world responds to people and their behaviours as his fairy tales do not guarantee a happy ending. This darker perspective on the world can be seen in his fairy tales “The Little Match Girl” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. In this essay, I will analyse how these authors approach this same genre in juxtaposing ways as The Grimm Brothers deliver happy conclusions while H.C. Andersen enforces a harsh reality.

“The Frog King” depicts a young, unruly princess who is forced to keep to her promise and because she reluctantly follows through, she is rewarded in the end. This story follows the classic Brother’s Grimm fairy tale pattern because a happy ending is guaranteed regardless of how deserving each character is. The fairy tale depicts a large amount of symbolism beginning with the golden ball which the princess holds so dear. As it is an item made of gold, it depicts the frivolous and flaunting wealth of royalty and of a selfish, immature princess. As it is also a toy, it demonstrates the princess’ immaturity when she offers “my clothes, my pearls and jewels, and even the golden crown which I am wearing.’ (Grimm 11) as she interprets the ball as more important than all of these valuable objects. This use of symbolism encourages the emotion and meaning of the fairy tale and boosts the message that it is important to keep promises and that there is more to a person than just their exterior. “The Frog King” contains many of the ingredients which are present in classic fairy tales