64 pages • 2 hours read
Bruno BettelheimThe Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1975A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim, acclaimed for its insights into child development, posits that European fairy tales, with their fantastical and violent elements, more effectively address children's psychological needs than contemporary realistic literature. Bettelheim, drawing on Freudian and Jungian theories, argues that fairy tales resonate with children's inner turmoil and guide them through developmental stages by presenting symbolic narratives of struggle and resolution, ultimately aiding in personality integration and offering a blueprint for overcoming life's challenges. The book contains discussions of violence and childhood trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bruno Bettelheim's The Uses of Enchantment delves into the psychology of fairy tales, offering deep insights into child development and the importance of storytelling. Positive reviews praise its thoughtful analysis and exploration of folklore. However, some critics point out occasional psychoanalytic overreaching and question certain interpretations. Overall, a compelling read.
Who Should Read The Uses of Enchantment?
A reader who enjoys The Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim is likely interested in psychology and folklore, specifically how fairy tales affect child development. Fans of Carl Jung's works or Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces would find this book compelling due to its exploration of the subconscious and archetypes.