Little Mermaid Part 2: The Fairytale Twist

The Facetious Nights of Straparola, published between 1550 and 1555, is a two-volume collection of stories that includes folk and fairy tales, novellas, and tragic stories. It was influential in shaping European fairy tale literature, with stories later adapted by authors such as Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. The collection features a frame narrative where participants at a party on the island of Murano share tales ranging from bawdy to fantastical.

In this book, Bruno Bettelheim analyzes fairy tales through the lens of Freudian psychoanalysis. He argues that these stories, despite their violent and fantastical content, are crucial for helping children navigate their inner lives, cope with emotional and psychological challenges, and achieve developmental milestones. Bettelheim contends that fairy tales address issues such as separation anxiety, oedipal conflict, and sibling rivalries, providing children with a safe and symbolic way to process these complex emotions. The book is divided into two main sections, one outlining the value of fairy tales and the other presenting detailed psychoanalytical readings of several well-known fairy tales[1][4][5].

Wonderworks examines the most powerful literary inventions from ancient Mesopotamia to modern times, highlighting how these narrative technologies can alleviate emotional distress and foster positive change. The book draws on neuroscience to demonstrate the impact of literature on the human mind, showcasing its ability to heal trauma, spark creativity, and inspire empathy. It covers a wide range of literary forms, from ancient Chinese lyrics to contemporary media.