NTERPRETATIONS OF LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
FEMINISTS – Feminists would argue that it is sexist that the
defenceless young female has to be rescued by the strong woodcutter men. Why is
it not the female character rescuing the defenceless male? Every female character
is attacked by the male wolf, raising unfortunate implications, especially with
quotes such as “All the better to eat you with”. The Grandma is ill and frail,
not even able to leave the bed. In conclusion, all females in this story are weak and need
looking after.
SOCIALIST – Socialists would argue that every character
apart from the woodcutter is confined to poor living conditions. Grandma lives
alone in a house, isolated in the woods. Red Riding hood is forced to walk into
the woods, with no adult supervision – clearly brought it in. The Wolf, who is
intelligent enough to disguise himself and speak full English, has to live in
the woods. He doesn’t have a house or a job, despite clearly being able to.
PSYCHOANALYST – Red riding hood cannot distinguish a wolf from
a human. She also imagines the wolf having a full conservation with her.
Clearly there’s something wrong with her. Her mind is further broken when a
woodcutter rushes in with no warning and brutality butchers a wolf who she
still thinks is her grandmother. Don’t worry though, the woodcutter assures her
that it was indeed a wolf and not her grandmother, for her grandmother was
eaten alive! In conclusion, Red riding
ends the day completely broken and needing years of therapy.
