Why does the author include excerpts from two
versions of the story of "Rapunzel?
O to show that there are different versions of the same
story told in different cultures
O to show how the Grimms added details to make the
story more vivid for readers
O to show that the last edition was more informative
and engaging than the first
In contrast to the final 1857 edition, most of the tales in
the first edition are shorter and sparser. They have a
rawness that was later to be refined. For example,
"Rapunzel" is embellished a great deal in the final
edition:
First Edition
Once upon a time there lived a husband and wife who
had been wishing for a child for many years, but it had all
been in vain. Finally, the woman became pregnant.
Now, in the back of their house the couple had a small
window that overlooked a fairy's garden filled with all
kinds of flowers and herbs. But nobody ever dared to
enter it.
Seventh Edition
Once upon a time there was a husband and wife who for
quite some time had been wishing in vain for a child.
Finally, the dear Lord gave the wife a sign of hope that
O to tell the story twice to ensure that readers
understand the plot and characters in the story