Folktales Retold

This incisive literary analysis examines the vibrant art of contemporary folktale revision, tracing how modern authors intentionally reshape classic stories for new purposes. Moving beyond the oral tradition's slow evolution, Doughty explores how today's writers use fairy tale retellings as vehicles for political commentary, cultural adaptation, and narrative experimentation across multiple forms including poetry, drama, and fiction. The book demonstrates how these transformed stories function as cultural artifacts that both preserve and challenge traditional values through their creative reinterpretations.

What distinguishes this study is its systematic approach to understanding why these revisions resonate so powerfully with contemporary audiences. Doughty reveals how modern retellings serve as sophisticated literary criticism, using familiar narrative frameworks to explore complex themes of identity, power, and social justice. Readers interested in cultural studies, narrative theory, and the evolution of storytelling will find compelling insights into how ancient tales continue to find new life and meaning in our current era.