Grimms' Fairy Tales Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Tale.Page)

Quote #1

"We'll never accept Simpleton as king!" They demanded that preference be shown to the one whose woman could jump through a hoop hanging in the middle of the hall, for their thought, Peasant women can do that easily. They're very strong, but the delicate maiden will jump to her death. (The Three Feathers.235)

Peasants. Can't live with 'em, can't treat 'em like property…oh wait, yeah, you can.

Quote #2

After they lived together for a few years, the king's mother, who was an evil woman, began to slander the young queen and said to the king, "The maiden you brought home with you is nothing but a common beggar girl! Who knows what godless mischief she's been secretly plotting?" (The Twelve Brothers.35)

Apparently this woman's take is that poor people are inherently awful. And for proof, she presents…nothing.

Quote #3

There was once a lazy maiden who did not want to spin, and no matter what her mother said, she refused to spin. Finally, her mother became so angry and impatient that she beat her, and her daughter began to cry loudly. (The Three Spinners.50)

If there's one lot that's worse than being poor in these tales, it's being lazy. Because how can you rise above your poverty, if you're not industrious?