Planning a fairy tale
I can use the conventions of fairytales to plan a story about a social issue.
Planning a fairy tale
I can use the conventions of fairytales to plan a story about a social issue.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Fairy tales have specific conventions including noble heroes/heroines, magical transformations and happy endings.
- Charles Kingsley was a Victorian clergyman who took a stand against the use of children as chimney sweeps.
- Kingsley’s novel ‘The Water Babies’ adapted the fairy tale genre to protest the use of children as chimney sweeps.
- His novel was influential in raising awareness of the cruelty of child labour.
- Freytag’s narrative structure can be adapted by any writer.
Common misconception
Fairy tales are written solely for children.
Fairy tales are primarily stories about transformation and therefore this form appeals to many writers, especially those who are interested in social issues.
Keywords
Adapt - to change, or to alter something, to suit different conditions.
Clergyman - a man ordained into the church of England.
Noble - socially superior but also honest, brave, and kind.
Transform - change completely the appearance or character of something.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
rework
virtuous
change
introduces the characters and settings
events and complications begin
the turning point where conflict reaches its peak
tension begins to decrease
the conflict is finally resolved