Surprisingly, I have had little luck finding research concerning Clever Gretel. I had thought that this story, AT 1741—i.e., the guest flees to save his ears—would be well covered. Indeed, it may be, but none of my usual resources appear to have information regarding this tale type.
As a result, this commentary will perhaps be less interesting than some others, as I explore the tale, for the most part, alone. As I look through the tale, I'd like to propose that readers do the same: I've posted a few questions about the feelings the tale engenders below. Think about them, and comment with your answers (or any other thoughts) if you feel so inclined.
I'll collate whatever comes up and mention it, as appropriate, on Friday, when I post the commentary for this and the week's fairy tale (I haven't picked it yet, so if there are any suggestions or requests, now's the time).
→ How do you feel about Gretel as a role model? Is she a heroine? Is she a villain?
→ Are you satisfied with the end of the story? Do you wish Gretel had had some sort of comeuppance?
→ Can you relate to Gretel's actions?
→ Are Gretel's actions in any way justified? Why might she act as she does (remembering that this tale fits with a pattern of behaviour)?
→ How do you see the relationship between Gretel and the master? Is it equal?
→ Is there any particular element of the tale you consider symbolic, or that speaks to you?
→ Do you find the tale amusing? If so, why? If not, why not?
→ Do you identify with the guest? How do you view the treatment of the guest within the story?
Note: if readers are interested in this sort of interactive commentary, please let me know, and I'll post similarly at the beginning of each week (Sunday or Monday) so as to leave enough time for responses to accrue.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Commentary: Clever Gretel, part I
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2 comments:
I see Gretel more as a trickster than villain or heroine. She reminds me of Anansi the spirder, getting over on the master. And Anansi stories also have a great deal to do with food and its acquistion. Gretel drinks the master's wine which she knows will make her hungry then eats the meal she's prepared. Then she has to figure out a way to deflect her actions away from herself and place the blame somewhere (or on) someone else. Her choices and actions place her in a difficult situation of her own making which she must then get out of. All very tricksterish to me.
She also seems a bit vain, proud of her red shoes, which seem symbolic to me. I sense empowerment. But I don't know enough about shoes or the color red to comment further.
It doesn't seem from the story that Gretel has been terribly mistreated by her master, so her treatment of him and his guest, seems a bit harsh. But when one is drunk, does one really care? Perhaps she has not been appreciated. Perhaps the wine has only enhanced feelings of hostility which cause her to behave the way she does.
This story does make me smile, though. It appeals to the trickster in me.
I wish I could comment more...the ears seem important....
I've always wondered--what exactly is the role of the man in this story? Master, or husband? Gretel appears to rule the roost; the master is unaware of her ways, or chooses to ignore them. But if the latter is true, it seems unlikely he would ask Gretel to dress two fowls, then leave her alone with the meal and access to the cellar for a prolonged period. And yet, Gretel clearly fits the archetype of the Trickster Wife, confident, assertive, and able to get one over on her other half. The clearly noted relationships in fairy tales—e.g. Master and servant—are not necessarily what they seem.
Fairy tales are wonderful, aren't they?
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