Abstract

This study is a critical examination of the ways power is depicted in six illustrated versions of the "Little Red Riding Hood" story. Anchored in the notions that children's texts are neither ideologically neutral nor inherently benign, a kindergarten teacher analyzed "Little Red Riding Hood" tales for the ways the main character acts and/or is acted upon. Traditional versions of the story are often read as didactic tales that remind young readers to obey their parents in order to stay safe. However, the findings of this study suggest that reimagined versions of the classic tale can open important conversations about courage in the face of danger, living up to (or down to) parents' expectations, reimagining focus and distraction, and positioning oneself as an agent of positive change.

Degree

MA

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Teacher Education

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2024-08-09

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd13386

Keywords

folk literature, critical multicultural analysis, picturebooks, power, Little Red Riding Hood

Language

english

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Education Commons

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