Fairy tales are universal codes that transcend cultural and generational divides. For ages, they have been recited and retold, adjusting to many cultures and languages. Cindrella’s story is what we’ve all heard of: despite the mistreatment from her stepmother, she is magically transformed into a graceful beauty who captures the prince’s heart at a royal ball. However, beyond the glitzy surface of the narrative comes a profound moral lesson: Cinderella’s constant virtue is her kindness and she holds on to it till she finds her happiness. Beauty and the Beast is another tale that contains a powerful message about empathy and change. The plot revolves around a prince who is doomed to live as a horrible beast unless he learns to love and be loved in return. Belle, a kind and sensitive young woman who looks beyond his outward appearance to the goodness within, holds the key to his rescue.
These stories embody moral lessons as well as contemporary relevance. For example, being ‘kind’ does not necessarily mean the same as being ‘weak’. Kindness is based on courage and strength. Because in order to be kind to others, one has to be tough enough to be kind to themselves first. Kindness not only brightens someone else's day, but it also has a significant influence on our own well-being and there is empirical evidence to support it. For example, engaging in everyday prosocial behavior is both emotionally rewarding and contagious (motivating kindness and producing hedonic rewards in others), and receiving everyday prosocial behavior is a constructive experience (which may strengthen the giver’s behaviors). This ripple effect demonstrates the enduring importance of kindness in today’s world.
Classic fairy tales have not stayed static over time. They have developed in response to shifting cultural ideals. Modern versions, such as Disney's animated films, have presented these timeless stories to new generations while infusing them with modern sensibilities. Recent Cinderella renditions, for example, emphasize themes of female empowerment and autonomy. Cinderella is no longer a passive damsel in distress, but rather a resolute protagonist who takes charge of her fate. While these adjustments provide a new viewpoint, the underlying moral message of kindness remains unchanged. Similarly, beyond Aladdin’s magic carpet travel to discover Princess Jasmine's everlasting wisdom, their beloved tale has significant lessons that continue to engage audiences. The concept of independence and authenticity is central to Princess Jasmine's character arc, as throughout the film, Jasmine longs to be free of the restrictions of royal life, to make her own decisions, and be true to herself. This plot emphasizes the significance of authenticity and self-determination. Her grace reflects her courage. It inspires viewers to forge their own path, stay loyal to their ideals, and resist cultural assumptions that may stifle personal progress. Princess Jasmine teaches us that genuine magic exists inside ourselves and that pursuing our ambitions may lead us to a world where we can all fly on our own magical carpets, charting our own way through life's experiences.
Fairytales and fables usually have a protagonist and an antagonist, further providing moralistic lessons about good and evil. Despite being poisoned by the evil Queen, Snow White survived due to the kindness and care of the seven dwarves; Little Red Riding Hood teaches us the importance of following directions and listening to those in authority (aka parents and teachers when you’re young); The Three Little Pigs teaches us that perseverance and strategic preparation are necessary for success. We may confront life's wolves with bravery and come stronger on the other side if we construct our own strong homes, both metaphorically and practically; Pinnochio teaches us not to tell a lie, and so on. Such moral themes of loyalty, justice, patience, and care abound in classic fairytales and tend to be prescriptive in nature, assisting in the formation of one’s moral compass. So the next time you come across a children’s story, take a moment to consider how it may have shaped your moral outlook.
Zarnab Zahoor and Hansika Kapoor
