2. Cat and Mouse in Partnership

(modified from Wikimedia)

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INTRODUCTION

This seems like a fairly simple story, but a close look at the interactions between two characters can help us understand something about human nature--which is true of most fairy tales.

Words in bold type are discussed in the Notes.

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THE TALE

[1] A certain cat became friends a mouse, and had said so much to her about the great love and friendship she felt for her, that finally the mouse agreed that they should live together. "But we must provide food for winter, or else we shall suffer from hunger," said the cat, "and you, little mouse, cannot go out anywhere, or you will be caught in a trap someday."

1. The Frog-King, or Iron Henry

(Wikimedia)

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INTRODUCTION

Many cultures have a version of this story in which the ugly becomes beautiful again through love--or something like it!

Notice the difference between the original story recorded by the Grimm brothers, and the "Disney-fied" version in which the frog is freed through a kiss.

Words in bold type are discussed in the Notes.

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THE TALE

[1] In old times when wishing still helped one, there lived a king whose daughters were all beautiful. But the youngest was so beautiful that the sun itself, which has seen so much, was astonished whenever it shone in her face.