Poe’s Failed Fairy Tale (Georgia A.)
Poe’s Failed Fairy Tale
Children’s fairy tales are some of the most commonly known pieces of literature, as they have the ability to strongly relate to so many people and remind them of their youth and past memories. While writing stories for the younger generation, authors have to be wary enough to recognize harmful connotations, reject inappropriate character actions, and possess the ability to censor themselves properly. “Hop-Frog” by Edgar Allan Poe differs from a lot of other Poe stories, but can the racism, ableism, and general gruesome nature be overlooked in order to interpret this tale in a new light? There are many ways in which it is inaccessible to the youth, due to the dark messages and disturbing events, but questionable children’s writings such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales are just the surface of similar connections to point out.
This edition serves to analyze how “Hop-Frog” works to create a new range in audience for Poe, which introduces fairy tale enjoyers and even children into the mix. I will be showing the ways in which Poe contrasts from his usual intended audience in this piece. This version will also relate this story to the baseline concepts behind a fairy tale, as well as explaining why it would and would not work as one.
Primary Source:
Edgar Allan Poe, “Hop-Frog” (Text-03b), The Works of the Late Edgar Allan Poe — Vol II: Poems and Miscellanies (1850), 2:455-462