"Riquet with a crest" is one of the most famous fairy tales of the famous French writer S. Perrot. It was first published in 1697 in Paris, in the author's collection. The work occupies a special place in his work, since it did not become an artistic processing of folklore compositions, but, according to most critics, is an independent fairy tale. Nevertheless, the text traces explicit references to folk motives and legends, as will be described below. After all, the writer actively studied common subjects, which formed the basis of most of his works.
Creation
The tales of Charles Perrault are of great importance for the literary development of this genre. In fact, the writer was the first to seriously engage in magical stories created by a rich folk fantasy. The merit of the author lies in the fact that the works published by him contributed to the growth among the intelligentsia of interest in this genre. He had a lot of followers, among them such famous names as the brothers Grimm, Andersen and others.
The fact is that in the 17th century, when this remarkable author lived and worked, folklore was considered a low genre, and among scholars it was fashionable to study ancient literature and philosophy. Therefore, the tales of Charles Perrault literally gave the green light to writing works of this kind, as well as to their serious analysis, collection and systematization.
Spelling
In 1697, the writer released his collection, which subsequently made his name known to the whole world, “The Stories of Mother Goose”. The collection includes eight works written by prose (the author put this genre above poetry, considering it the successor of the ancient novel).
However, this also included several poetic works written by him even earlier - a short story and two tales. The collection, which also included the work "Rike with a crest", was a huge success and contributed to the fact that many intellectuals became interested in fairy-tale folklore. Currently, the works of the book are popular, as evidenced by numerous film adaptations, theatrical productions and ballets.
Background
Scientists unanimously agree that this tale has no folk, folkloric roots. However, it is not unconditionally an original composition. The fact is that one French writer Catherine Bernard, a year before the publication of the essay under consideration, published her version of the tale, which is much darker and more serious than Perrot's book. "Rike with a crest" in this respect compares favorably with the aforementioned work with a happy ending, subtle humor and unobtrusive morality, therefore it has become more widespread. It also bears a resemblance to the fairy tale "Yellow Dwarf" by another French writer Marie d'Onua.
This book ends tragically: the lovers were turned by an evil wizard into palm trees. It is not surprising that the version of Perrot was so fond of children, in contrast to the listed works, which were distinguished by an ominous plot and somewhat rude humor.
Introduction
The tale "Rike with a crest" has a rather traditional beginning, which can be found in many other works of this kind. The author briefly reports on the birth of children in two kingdoms - a prince and a princess. The first was born a terrible freak: judging by the avaricious descriptions of the author, he resembled a terrible gnome with a hump on his back. Mother was very grieving, but a kind fairy came to her and promised that the boy would be very smart and in due time would be able to make smart that girl whom she loves more than anything. This promise reassured the unfortunate queen a bit, especially since the child really grew up very smart and smart.
By the principle of opposition, S. Perrot wrote his tale. "Rike with a crest" is a work that has a mirror plot. In another kingdom, an unusually beautiful princess was born, so her mother was very happy and proud for her daughter. However, she gave birth to another girl, who, on the contrary, was very scary. The queen became very worried about her, but the same fairy promised her that the little princess would be smart, while the beautiful one, on the contrary, would remain stupid. When the mother began to ask for a little intelligence for the older one, the sorceress replied that she could not do anything for her, but promised that she would one day be able to endow the beauty of the person she loved.
Action development
The tale "Rike with a Crest", the summary of which is the subject of this review, is built on the same principles as other works by the author. After the introduction above, the author briefly reports on the life of his characters. The prince grew up and, remaining a freak, nevertheless showed so much intelligence and ingenuity that everyone around was surprised at his wisdom and knowledge. The fate of the princess sisters turned out to be completely different.
As the youngest developed and grew smarter over the years, the elder beauty, on the contrary, became more beautiful every day, however, she became stupid, so even parents sometimes could not help but choose their daughter for absent-mindedness and incongruity. "Rick-crest" is a fairy tale with deep moral morality, which the author proves that it is not appearance that determines the inner world of a person.
Matching heroines
The writer emphasizes the difference between these girls, describing secular tricks, during which everyone at first sought to taunt the elder beauty, but almost immediately abandoned her because she could hardly connect a few words. It is significant that the author draws the reader's attention to the fact that, being stupid, she nevertheless realized the limitations of her mental abilities. Despite all her shortsightedness and sluggishness of thinking, the princess was aware of everything that was happening and, aware of her backwardness, in every possible way wished to get at least a little mind, even due to her extraordinary beauty.
Character meeting
One of the most famous works of the writer is the fairy tale "Rick with a crest." Who are the main characters - this is a question that shows its similarity with other works of a similar nature. The author’s attention is concentrated on two characters - the prince and the princess.
Both meet by chance in the forest, and from the conversation the reader learns that Rike went in search of the beautiful princess, because he fell in love with her and wanted to marry her. The girl herself, in an interview with the prince, told him that she was very worried because of her stupidity. In response, he promised to give her a mind, and she gave her consent to marry him a year later. After this meeting, the princess became very smart, and in her life there were big changes.
Princess's new life
The moral of the fairy tale "Rike with a crest" was presented by the author with a very subtle humor. The main idea is that it is not appearance that determines the inner world of a person, but his moral qualities. It is this thought that sounds during the second dialogue of the heroes. But first you need to say about those changes that have occurred with the princess. She became very smart and judicious. Since then, even the king himself sometimes consulted with her on certain state issues, and sometimes held meetings in her room.
The girl had a lot of fans who vied for her hands. After all these changes, the princess forgot about the promise she made to the prince. However, one day she wandered into the very forest where she met her fiancé a year ago and saw the unusual preparations of the underground inhabitants who informed her that their prince would get married that day and they were preparing a wedding feast.
The second meeting of heroes
The tale "Rike with a crest", the main idea of which is that true love and without magic can change a person, reveals the characters during their new dialogue in the forest a year later. The prince reminded the princess of her promise to marry him, but the girl answered him that now, having become smart, she had become choosy at the same time. She apologizes to him and declares that from now on she cannot fulfill her promise, as she has fallen in love with another beautiful prince and common sense tells her to accept his offer. In response, Rika objects to her that since it is about his life and happiness, he intends to fight for his bride. He further tells her that she can make him beautiful if she so wishes. The princess, who liked everything except her appearance in her bridegroom, immediately wished him to become a wonderful young man, and the girl's desire was immediately fulfilled. In conclusion, the author’s morality is that the fairy magic did not play any role in this case: the heroes simply loved each other and were able to give each other something that they lacked.
Image of a prince
The tale "Khokhlik" is the story of two characters. The main character is Rike himself, who, having an ugly appearance, nevertheless attracts others with his mind and prudence. In the work there are two scenes with his participation - these are two conversations of the character with the princess. Based on their conversations, the reader can form an idea of what kind of person he was. He is observant, since he immediately notices the princess's sadness because of her stupidity and understands the reason for her experiences. The prince is sociable and friendly, in conversation with the girl he is emphasized politely, even during the second conversation, when at first she refuses to fulfill her promise and marry him. Rike holds on with captivating simplicity: he begins a conversation with the princess, as with his old friend. The prince is very noble: for example, he does not demand and does not insist that the girl fulfill her promise and marry him, although he has the right to do so. As an intelligent person, he first finds out the reason for her refusal and suggests removing the obstacle that interferes with their common happiness. Therefore, the ending looks especially touching, especially after the heroine, convinced by his arguments, confesses to him his feelings.
Princess image
The author pays great attention to the disclosure of this character. The girl is interesting in that she changes in the course of the story. At first, the writer draws the reader’s attention to the fact that although she is stupid, she is capable of introspection. The princess is aware of her mental retardation and is aware of everything that is happening around. At her first meeting with Rick, the reader may notice that she rather lacks the vocabulary to clearly and clearly express her thought than her mind and prudence. Undoubtedly, an active work is going on in the girl’s mind, but she is not able to express it aloud and articulate her ideas clearly.
A meeting with Rike changes everything. And in this case, again, it's not about magic. Mutual sympathy of the heroes led to the fact that the girl gained clarity of thinking and the ability to normal speech. The fact is that Rike talked to her like no one before. The author not in vain emphasizes that everyone around could not keep up a conversation with her and even loving parents from time to time reproached her for being absent-minded. And the prince communicated with her as with the most ordinary person: simple, open, friendly. Such an affectionate and respectful treatment led to such an unexpected change in the image of the princess.
Changes in the characterine haratker
Their second dialogue reveals the heroine from the other side. This time she spoke with the prince on equal terms. The girl tried to convince him of her innocence, but she did not succeed: after all, she now listened more to the voice of reason than to her own heart. However, impressed by the conversation with Rike, the girl admitted to him that she loved him. Realizing that she was not prevented from marrying him only by an ugly appearance, she wanted him to become beautiful, and her wish came true. This moment is interesting because in this scene the princess managed to overcome prejudice, which allowed her to see Rika from a completely different perspective.
Opinions about the fairy tale
Readers may be interested in what kind of work received reviews. "Ricky-crested" is positively accepted by all those who have familiarized themselves with Perrault's work. Users note a light and at the same time deep storyline, credit the author that he was able to create interesting characters. But they see the main advantage of a fairy tale in that the writer expressed the following thought: true love is able to completely change a person both internally and externally.