Fractured Fairy Tales

 

Language Arts Extra Credit WebQuest

In this creative writing activity, students will use familiar characters, plots and settings from traditional fairy tales to create
"fractured" versions. By altering the story line, adding an unexpected twist, or creating a contemporary "spin," students will
experiment with satire, irony and parody.

BACKGROUND

Do some internet research on Fairy Tales. Read many tales and learn about elements and history of the tales.
Here are some sites to get you started:
 
 

Text Versions of Tales     Real Audio Fairy Tales      200+ Fairy Tales (Grimm)

WHAT TO DO

   1.List some of your favorite fairy tales. Discuss some elements that many of the stories
     share. You might find it helpful to web their responses or to use a Venn diagram to illustrate similarities and
     differences. Some of the common elements are:

          Once upon a time...
          Good vs. evil
          beautiful princess/handsome prince
          magic
          talking animals
          ...happily ever after.

   2.You will be having an opportunity to "fracture" one of these tales. A fractured fairy tale is designed to
     be humorous by changing the story in an unexpected way; like altering a character, or adding modern language and
     events. Suggestions on ways to fracture "Cinderella" are shown below:

          Cinderella is homely and has beautiful stepsisters.
          The prince can't dance.
          She likes to cook and clean.
          The magic wand is broken and can't get the spell quite right.
          She doesn't want to get married anyway.
          She didn't want a carriage; she wanted a Mazda!

   3.A humorous version of a well-known story is called a parody. Humor can be satirical
     (making fun of the Prince, for example), or ironical (the broken wand).

   4.Other than the fractured elements, the fairy tales should be true to the classic form. Work alone or with a partner. Use the writing process to draft, to revise, to edit and to publish the stories.

PRESENTATION OPTIONS

   1.Students may write the stories in script form and act them out for the class.
   2.Students may write in a picture book format.
   3.Students could put on a puppet show of all the fractured stories to share with a younger grade.