Folk and Fairy Tales

  As I read over my blog entries for this semester, I realized how much I have grown and learned throughout this course! I started with my first entry from the beginning of the semester where I described myself and what I knew about fairy tales. In this first entry I also stated what my favorite fairy tale was, and I have to say, the only disappointment I had with this course was that we didn’t read the different versions of “The Little Mermaid”! (which is my favorite). The rest of the semester was interesting, but a challenge. I say it was a challenge because I had to learn how to balance the numerous readings I received for this class, but also the other English major course readings I was being given. Overall, the material was very interesting and always captured my attention, and I really enjoyed learning new aspects of the classic tales, such as “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Hansel and Gretel,” and “Snow White.” This course allowed me to expand my perspective, realize th...

Personally, Professor Zaru was one of my favorite presentations we have had this semester! I think she was a very personable, honest, creative, and sweet woman. Furthermore, she developed my knowledge of the Arabic culture far more than any of the other speakers, which I thoroughly enjoyed! One fact Professor Zaru stated was that the Arabian communities think of the community first, instead of themselves (personal aspirations come after family wealth, prosperity, fortune). What makes the Arabic stories special is that they began with oral storytellers sitting in the towns, telling stories to the local shoppers until eventually, they got so good that they were paid for it. I also liked how the stories began with “Kan ya ma kan” (it was or it wasn’t) which was unique, just like the Kenyan introduction and the English introduction of simply, “once upon a time.” By asking “it was or it wasn’t,” it allows the listener to become engaged with the story immediately, because they are provoke...