Little Red Riding Hood

Children's short stories have been orally passed on for many years. Charles Perrault, a French author, began this new type of literary genre of fairy tale work that has been derived from pre-existing folk tales. Some of Perrault's short stories that were written down have been popular all over Paris and Europe. Many of Perrault's stories were first recorded in his book Contes De ma Mere L'Oye, "Tales of My Mother Goose," in 1697. In 1729, there appeared an English translation of Perrault's collection. His literary fairy tales were written for the late 17th century French court of King Louis XIV. Little Red Riding Hood is Perrault's best short story because it teaches a valuable lesson and it is entertaining.

Many of these stories were well known to people even in Charles Perrault's time, but were never written down. They were stories told orally, around the fire or at bedtime, to entertain children. For many years, professor John Smith has shared the tale of Little Red Riding Hood to his students. In his Storytelling Club, they have read many versions of The Little Red Riding Hood. Although these various version have changed throughout time, the story's plot remains the same. For example, the suspense feeling of not knowing what will happen to little red riding hood leaves the children skeptic. Then there is humor, which is involved when the big bad wolf dresses up as the grandma. Most importantly, the story ends with a happy ending and the big bad wolf does not hurt little red riding hood ever again. All of these emotions bring entertainment to the Storytelling Club in which Mr. Smith will continue to pass down for countless generations.

Little Red Riding Hood has entertained children for centuries but through many years, it has taught kids a valuable lesson. American families like Tom and Kathy Jones, who live in Orlando Florida, enjoy teaching their kids important life lessons through a story telling. In this case, Little Red Riding Hood send the lesson that children, especially attractive, well-bred young ladies, should never talk to strangers. For if they should do so, they may well provide dinner for a wolf. The Jones family have passed this story down for many years to keep their children aware of this type of situation that could occur. A charming, quiet, polite, unassuming, complacent, and sweet person could pursue any of their children at home or in the streets. Therefore, the Jones advice their kids to stay away from these gentle wolves who are the most dangerous ones of all similar to the Little Red Riding Hood story.

Perrault chose his stories well, and he recorded them with wit and style. He did not invent these tales because even in his day, their plots were well known. Rather, he gave his short stories a literary legitimacy. Everyone knows that there is not always goodness in all people and having that lesson taught through a short story is very powerful.