Women Who Run with the Wolves

Define the concept of the dark predator. Give examples of this character in various folktales.

What is the Wild Woman archetype? What purpose does it serve in female psychology?

How does “The Handless Maiden” differ from the rest of the stories in the book? Comment on its placement in the sequence of stories.

Consider “The Little Match Girl” and “The Red Shoes.” In what ways are the protagonists of these stories their own worst enemies?

What does the author give as her reason for using folk tales to explain the female psyche?

Consider Baba Yaga and the Skeleton Woman. What do these figures tell us about ancient attitudes toward life and death? Contrast this with the beliefs of modern culture on the same subject.

What characteristics do the wolf and the Wild Woman share in common?

What self-defeating behavior does “The Crescent Moon Bear” seek to correct? How is female anger viewed by society? By women themselves?