64 pages • 2 hours read
The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales
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Book Brief
352
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim, acclaimed for its insights into child development, posits that European fairy tales, with their fantastical and violent elements, more effectively address children's psychological needs than contemporary realistic literature. Bettelheim, drawing on Freudian and Jungian theories, argues that fairy tales resonate with children's inner turmoil and guide them through developmental stages by presenting symbolic narratives of struggle and resolution, ultimately aiding in personality integration and offering a blueprint for overcoming life's challenges. The book contains discussions of violence and childhood trauma.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
6,463 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Bruno Bettelheim's The Uses of Enchantment delves into the psychology of fairy tales, offering deep insights into child development and the importance of storytelling. Positive reviews praise its thoughtful analysis and exploration of folklore. However, some critics point out occasional psychoanalytic overreaching and question certain interpretations. Overall, a compelling read.
Who Should Read The Uses of Enchantment?
A reader who enjoys The Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim is likely interested in psychology and folklore, specifically how fairy tales affect child development. Fans of Carl Jung's works or Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces would find this book compelling due to its exploration of the subconscious and archetypes.
6,463 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud
A foundational figure in psychoanalysis, whose theories about the unconscious mind and structures of personality significantly influence Bettelheim's approach to analyzing fairy tales.
Carl Jung
Carl Jung
A Swiss psychologist whose ideas about archetypes and the collective unconscious are subtly reflected in Bettelheim's analysis of the universal applicability of fairy tale motifs.
The Brothers Grimm
The Brothers Grimm
German folklorists whose collection of fairy tales is often preferred by Bettelheim for their authenticity and capacity to convey complex ideas implicitly, making them suitable for various stages of child development.
Charles Perrault
Charles Perrault
A French courtier and author of classic fairy tales who is often critiqued by Bettelheim for his moralistic endings and specific cultural details which may detract from the universal and timeless qualities of the stories.
352
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
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