Final answer:
Fairy tales were meant to impact readers or listeners by creating wonder, imparting moral lessons, and providing comfort, while also maintaining societal order and offering critical thinking challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fairy tales were often crafted to have a deep impact on their readers or listeners, from evoking a sense of wonder to imparting moral lessons. For instance, when we consider why we read fiction, it's evident that we seek to experience the joy of imagined events and imaginary people, finding pleasure in storytelling and cultivating values such as the joy of giving—as is the case with the Santa Claus myth.
Fairy tales like those collected by the Brothers Grimm were not just meant for entertainment; they served as vehicles for cultural norms, societal expectations, and even survival strategies under oppression, as in the stories told by enslaved people.
Moreover, these stories served to address life's big questions in the form of myths and were passed down through generations to maintain order in society.
Ultimately, these narratives provided comfort, instilled values, and challenged readers to think critically about moral intricacies.
Various Purposes of Fairy Tales
- Creating a sense of wonder and the possibility of a world beyond the known, fairy tales stimulate the imagination and evoke curiosity.
- They offer moral instruction, for example, teaching the value of giving over receiving, or showcasing virtues like bravery and kindness.
- Fairy tales can also provide a form of escapism, allowing people to temporarily step away from reality and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy.
In conclusion, fairy tales were intended to affect people by offering moral guidance, a respite from the everyday world, and sparking conversations that deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities.