What compelled the Grimms to concentrate on old German epics, tales, and literature was a belief that the most natural and pure forms of culture—those which held the community together—were linguistic and based in history. According to them, modern literature, even though it might be remarkably rich, was artificial and thus could not express the genuine essence of Volk culture that emanated naturally from experience and bound the people together. Therefore, all their efforts went toward uncovering stories from the past.

Question

–“How the Grimm Brothers Saved
the Fairy Tale,”
Jack Zipes

Which details from the text best support the author’s purpose? Check all that apply.

Modern literature can be remarkably rich and informative.
Many people enjoy reading both ancient and modern literature.
Old German tales once held communities together.
Older stories often expressed the essence of Volk culture.
Epics and other tales were linguistic and based in history.

Answer 1

The details from the text that best support the author’s purpose are:

• Old German tales once held communities together.
• Older stories often expressed the essence of Volk culture.
• Epics and other tales were linguistic and based in history.

These points directly relate to the Grimms' belief in the importance of old stories as genuine representations of culture and community compared to modern literature.