Princes, Frogs and Ugly Sisters: The Healing Power of the Grimm Brothers' Tales

(Paperback)

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Analyzing the ways in which the Grimm brothers' tales provide real, vital insights into how to live more happily, understand the need for personal and psychological growth, and find that significant other, this innovative study revives the true healing nature of these beloved tales. Combining enjoyment of these tales with insightful research, this exploration uses actual case histories to show how the odd and bizarre episodes in fairy tales are actually astounding renditions of human behaviors that occur during times of crisis. It also shows how the six archetypal stages of psychological development are present both in these tales and in everyday life. Contrary to common, contemporary fairy tale re-creations, this study discusses how the Grimm brothers stories deal with topics such as dysfunctional family dynamics, sexual jealousy, narcissism, incest, rape, and personal growth from trauma to wellness--noting that Cinderella didnt have a fairy godmother and frogs were never kissed.

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"I loved this book-I'd recommend this to all ages who want to gain a wealth of self-knowledge." -My Spirit Radio

Author Bio

Hunter has been a professor of literature for thirty years, working with college students as well as mature students, and also a counsellor and therapist. Using these two different skill sets he noticed how the stories we read can help us understand who we are, and subsequently what the stories are we tell to ourselves about who we could choose to be. Matching actual observations of human behavior with literature can help us to understand actions that might otherwise seem bizarre - and so each piece of literature can become a handbook on behavior. Hunter was born in England and completed his doctorate in literature at Oxford University in 1983. For the past twenty three years he's taught at Curry College, as well as within the Massachusetts prison system. In both places literature truly proved to be a force for real growth and rehabilitation. This will be his ninth book. All his books have been about the regenerative power of writing and literature - its ability to lead us to deep understanding and psychic healing.