Fairy Tale. A fairy tale is a type of European folk tale containing supernatural events and imaginary creatures such as elves, giants, and fairies. For example, a supernatural event in Cinderella is the turning of the pumpkin into a stagecoach and an imaginary creature is the fairy godmother. As you read this selection, find one example of a supernatural event and one example of an imaginary creature.
Characterization. Characterization is the act of creating or describing a character. Writers use three major techniques to create a character: by showing what characters say, do, and think; by showing what other characters say about them; and by showing what physical features, dress, and personality the characters display.
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• What makes the fairy tale unique is its use of magic. Contrary to popular belief, however, the supernatural characters in fairy stories are not always fairy godmothers or winged spirits like Tinker Bell in Peter Pan. They may be magicians, ogres, dragons, brownies, elves, goblins, gnomes, or leprechauns. More often, fairy tales involve ordinary people who have experiences of a supernatural kind and are affected by charms, disguises, spells, or other fantastic occurrences. Although the stories were told centuries ago to entertain children, many were originally written for adults. In the 20th century psychologists sometimes use fairy tales to interpret and examine universal fears and desires. The enduring appeal and popularity of the tales, however, is a result of their continued ability to entertain.
• The author of “Dragon, Dragon” is popular for poking fun at old-fashioned fairy tales. For example, the hero in “Dragon, Dragon” is so weak and puny that he can’t lift his sword and the wizard can’t remember his magic.
As you read this selection, find the characterization of the major characters. Use the graphic organizer below to help you organize your information. Write the name of the character. Then list details that describe the character by using the three techniques mentioned above.
If you were a king, what would you do if an evil dragon were violently destroying your kingdom?
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