Am Quote by Kate Bernheimer
“In the old fairy tales, often a 'moral' was tacked on at the end of the story - say, if a book was going to be marketed to young readers. And the morals don't really suit the stories at all, which makes them super weird - part of why I love the tradition so much. I do play with this, though I am more concerned with ethics than morals.”
About This Quote
Stories often add a moral that feels forced, highlighting a tension between narrative and didactic intent.
In simple terms: Moral lessons can feel out of place in tales.
Key Takeaway
Question whether added morals serve the story or the market.
Themes
storytelling
ethics
tradition
marketing
audience
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- Children's literature
- film adaptations
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Narrative structure
didacticism
cultural expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer stories without explicit morals?
- How does a forced moral affect your enjoyment?
A Different Perspective
Moral imposition may dilute artistic authenticity.
