Blog post #1&2

Question #1

I chose the version "The Grandmother". In this version of the story, the sexual implication is more than just a mere implication. Unlike Perault's version where the moral is clearly stated at the end, you don't need a bold and underlined explanation of the message to understand where they are going with it. As the ill fated heroin is led to drink her grandmothers blood, the Bzou says the phrase that solidifies this idea.
"While she was eating, a little cat that was there said, 'For shame! The slut is eating her grandmother's flesh and drinking her grandmother's blood.'"
It appears to me that this story is just a grand metaphor. Of course, it isn't a concept that is new to anyone. This idea of a women's sexuality has always in the past, and still remains to be, a huge debate for people. I try not to place too much of my own feelings into this considering the time period from which is was written, but I still have a few problems with it. It seems like a popular formula, but I think it's unfair that the blunt of the responsibility is on Red Riding Hood. It seems as though the "Wolf", "Bzou" or even "Ogre" are always exonerated for their bad deeds, simply because they ARE bad. They are considered the normalcy by which Red Riding Hood (or any other heroin for that matter) are judged and compared. For example, think about how in some countries and culture if a women is raped, it is HER that is condemned and HER that is punished. I apply this very same concept to Blue Beard, because despite the fact that he murders his wives and performs horrid acts, the moral is that you shouldn't be curious. The women have to pay and be punished for sins they did not commit.

Another thing I observed was this;

"Get undressed, my child," said the bzou, and come to bed with me."
"Where should I put my apron?"
"Throw it into the fire. You won't need it anymore."

As she is invited into bed, she inquires about her apron. The fact that it should be burned because hence forth it is useless seems like a HUGE metaphor. And apron can be interpreted as many things, but in the context of this story I think it represents things like marriage, women-hood, being a mother etc. Those things are associated with being whole-some in the sense that premarital sex makes you unfit to be married. So, if she had been "eaten" by the wolf, she wouldn't need her apron anymore.

Question #2


There is definitely an internal conflict going on within Red Riding Hood.

"Oh, grandmother, what a big mouth you have!"
"The better to eat you with, my child!"
"Oh, grandmother, I have to do it outside!"
"Do it in the bed, my child!"
"Oh no, grandmother, I really have to do it outside."
"All right, but don't take too long."

This is the moment where she loses innocence and realizes the danger shes in. She bates the Bzou about his appearance as it dawns on her that something isn't right. But despite her extremely vulnerable situation, she makes the bold decision to lie and get herself out. It's unfortunate that even though she outsmarts the Bzou, she is still tied to that fate. Just as he tied that string to her.