Question

Which evidence supports the conclusion that the Grimms’ fairy tales were not meant for children? Check all that apply.

The tales are from the past and were collected through interviews.
Some of the tales discuss wars and other conflicts of the time.
Many of the stories tell about the horrifying and brutal treatment of children.
The stories and the custom of storytelling are a timeless pastime for children.
The tales often reveal the harsh living conditions of the 19th century.

Answer 1

Selected: 2, 3, 5.

- 2 (wars/conflicts): Discussing contemporary wars/conflicts is a mature subject that suggests an adult audience.
- 3 (horrifying/brutal treatment of children): Graphic violence toward children indicates the tales were not intended for young listeners.
- 5 (harsh 19th-century living conditions): Emphasis on grim social realities points to stories reflecting adult concerns.

Not selected: 1 and 4.

- 1 (collected from the past/interviews): How the tales were collected doesn’t indicate their intended audience.
- 4 (timeless pastime for children): This contradicts the conclusion, so it does not support it.