Not your average children’s tale
Angela Carter’s “The Company of Wolves” creates a whole new spin on the popular fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. When comparing this version with Grimm’s, one can see some very stark differences. Grimm’s tale is the more traditional tale often told to most children. Whereas, Carter’s tale illustrates a strong female lead, with a sensual twist, even the journey to grandma’s house is vastly different.
From the beginning you get a glimpse that Angela Carter’s Little Red was not going to be the typical female often portrayed in this widely read fairy tale. For example in Angela’s version we have Red traversing what is described as deep dark forest void of other people “when she heard the freezing howl of a distant wolf, her practiced hand sprang to the handle of her knife.” (Carter, 1) Illustrating right away that this Riding Hood was not the average timid female lead you are used to. Conversely, Grimm’s description of Little Red starts of describing Red as a sweet little maid beloved by everyone on her way to grandma’s house. This is the Red Riding Hood we are all used to.…show more content… Carter explores a side of Little Red Riding Hood that is best saved for when the children are in bed. Carter sheds new light on our female lead in a very sexual way. For example Carter describes her Little Red’s cape metaphorically using the color red to infer that she is ready to shed her virgin blood. Little Red strips and tosses her clothing into the fire, symbolizing her readiness sexually. This stands apart from Grimm’s more natural version of this tale. For Grimm’s version is very conservative and does not portray Little Red sexually. Moreover, Grimm description of Riding Hood is offered as “the sweet little maid.” (Grimm 1) Brining forth more natural memories of this childhood
