Question

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.

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

What is the author’s purpose for writing the essay "How the Grimm Brothers Saved the Fairy Tale”?

to entertain children with details from the Grimms’ tales
to persuade adults to read and enjoy fairy tales more often
to inform scholars of the ways modern literature can be artificial
to inform readers of the reasons why the Grimms collected their tales

Answer 1

to inform readers of the reasons why the Grimms collected their tales

The passage explains the Grimms' beliefs and motivations—why they focused on old German epics and folklore—so the author's purpose is to inform readers about those reasons.