The story of Little Red Riding Hood has been heard of almost all around the world, and is seen as a more bedtime story to read to children. At least the versions today is, the original and it variants around the world are much more harsh and dark compared to the one we usually hear, but also deeper. In Charles Perrault's version, which originates in France and is popular among most readers, begins as the usual story. Little Red Riding Hood is a beautiful young girl who is given a package of cake and a pot of butter to deliver to her grandmother in a nearby village. She begins to trek through the woods and encounters the infamous wolf we all know, and he attempts to eat her, but is fearful of nearby
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An illustration showing Red Riding Hood and the Wolf
woodsman. So he plans another way to devour her, and inquires as to where she is going, which she answers. He tells her he plans to visit her grandmother as well, and he tells her to go one way and he the other. Then, choosing a shorter path, runs as fast as he can to beat Riding Hood to her grandmother. Once he reaches the grandmother's house, he immediately eats her and pretends to be the grandmother. Little Red Riding Hood buys into the wolf's act and isn't suspicious. As such, she gets into bed with him and after a brief but memorable conversation, she herself is eaten up.
This story's main purpose besides entertainment is also to act as a moral compass and lessen for young women and the dangers that life and maturity awaits them. Perrault tells that women, especially young, attractive women should be mindful of who they meet, especially strangers. They are referred to as "wolves", or people who are cunning, seductive, and able to woo their victims. While the story talks about the wolf eating his victim, a more real scenario could be sexual as well as physical in nature. While the wolf is a representation of the male predatory figure, little red riding hood also represents more than she seems. While she is young and sweet, her clothing also reflects her personality, with the red hood showing a purity and even representing virginity if the "wolf" was seen as a sexual predator. It is a story telling about the troubles and fears that come with adulthood, and offers advice as to how to avoid them.
Course Material:
Charles Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood
"Lil' Red Riding Hood" by the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
Outside Sources: