The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales

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.