One of my favorite authors in my youth was Roald Dahl. The wit, humor, and emotional potency of literature like The BFG and Matilda left a strong impression. To this day I think of his description of the meat pie from Danny, the Champion of the World. With all that in mind, it is needless to say that I was excited to read Roald Dahl’s adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood when it was assigned for this class. Red in this adaptation is a completely different character than in most other variations of the story, being beyond capable. Her pulling out a gun and shooting the wolf was a magnificent ending that only Dahl could’ve done justice.
Happily Ever After
Or, Literary Theory and the Fairy Tale Genre
There is something surreal about such an ending, and I think the author wants to tell every child in this way, “When you face bad people, you have to have the courage to defend yourself by any reasonable measure and not give them any chance to hurt you.”
I totally agree with you Oliver. Dahl has a really interesting way of describing things and Little Red Riding Hood was no different. I loved how in this version she had more agency and control than she did in the other versions!