Jack and the Beanstalk – Jack’s Transformation
"Jack and the Beanstalk" is an example of a Buildungsroman. As the tale progresses, Jack evolves from an immature person into a mature, self-assertive person. While minor differences exist in various versions of the tale, such as those between Joseph Jacobs' and Horace Elisha Scudder's versions, the tale can always be read as Jack's quest for maturity. Some critics, however, analyze the tale as one in which Jack remains spoiled and immature. While they make points which support their claims, careful analysis of the tale will reveal that Jack's struggle to grow up and to achieve maturity is representative of the difficult process of adolescent (especially male) maturation and the process of adolescent socialization.
Some critics, as previously stated, maintain that Jack does not mature or learn any lesson during the tale. For example, Nell B. Byers writes that Jack is "a fellow who makes what would not be thought of as a prudent investment; who is not above trickery in outwitting the giant's wife; who steals the giant's treasures; and who, having killed the giant, lives with his mother happily ever afterward in affluence" (26). Byers' statement would lead one to believe that Jack does not change very much. Granted, a literal reading of most versions of the tale supports Byers' statements. Jack appears to be an immature, spoiled brat, or worse. Yet, a deeper reading is required to fully understand the tale's meaning.
Another critic, William Mayne, comments on Jack's lack of maturity and morality in Joseph Jacobs' version of "Jack and the Beanstalk." In this version, Mayne claims that Jack "went up to another land where he had no right to be, and set o...
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In the eighth chapter “Hanseldee and Greteldum” of Thomas C. Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor, it is explained how writers incorporate literature targeted to kids due to the fact that they are widely known and recognized. Foster describes it as kiddie lit, and explains that the story “Hansel and Gretel” has more drawing power than any other. Foster’s observation proves to be true; he points out two examples that take from the story of the two lost children, but that neither work explicitly states that it is based upon Hansel and Gretel themselves. This is additionally apparent in the 1984 supernatural horror film Children of the Corn, which is an adaptation from Stephen King’s short story “Children of the Corn.” Burt and Vicky, a couple, are passing through Nebraska while
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According to Staff (2014), one officer in Idaho was placed on administrative leave after shooting an aggressive dog. The dog’s owner issued an apology and the officer returned to service. Before cameras, the majority of incidents resulted in an officers-word-against-the-accused scenario – “and juries tend to believe police officers over accused criminals,” says Stross. He goes on to state that this technology “evens the playing field in any kind of controversy or allegation of abuse,” and has led to the exoneration of many falsely accused, officers and citizens
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