A Tale Dark and Grimm

Does the novel present “under-standing” as Johannes defines it as a healthy way to approach relationships? Why or why not? Does “under-standing” promote positivity or harm? Use examples from the text to support your argument.

Examine the tales in A Tale Dark and Grimm. Select one element from each of the Grimm fairy tales Gidwitz uses and explain why it is still relevant for a modern-day audience. What gives them a timeless quality?

Fairy tales often present parents in a poor light. Why is this? What lessons or story elements are promoted by Gidwitz’s use of poor parents? Are any of the parents present in A Tale Dark and Grimm “good” parents? If so, which and why?

Does Gidwitz’s many uses of “once upon a time” and “the end” impact the reading of the story and its message? Why or why not? What is Gidwitz trying to accomplish by inserting these openings and closings? How would the story have been different without them?

What do Hansel and Gretel’s character arcs show about the resourcefulness and intelligence of children? Does the novel portray the king and queen’s decision to put Hansel and Gretel in charge as a good thing? What benefits or downsides might this offer the kingdom, and what does their decision suggest about a child’s ability to take responsibility or lead?

Compare and contrast Hansel’s desire to hunt with Gretel’s feelings for the handsome young man. How do both instances show the characters overcoming their fatal character flaws? How might the novel have ended differently if Hansel and Gretel didn’t overcome these obstacles, and why does Gidwitz include these specific challenges?

Why does Gidwitz preserve the violence present in the original versions of many fairy tales? What does this violence say about the cultural context of fairy tales and the audiences they were created for? Would the story have had the same effect without the violence?

Explore Gidwitz’s use of symmetry and the first and last chapters of the book. What thematic similarities are there between the beheadings of Hansel/Gretel and their father? What major differences are there between the two events? What lessons does Gidwitz impart with symmetry, and how does each incident encourage character growth?