Why Fairy Tales Stick

This incisive work of literary criticism tackles the enduring power of the fairy tale, dissecting the cultural and psychological mechanisms that allow certain stories to embed themselves in our collective consciousness. Jack Zipes moves beyond simple analysis to explore why specific narratives, from Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood, possess a unique staying power across generations. He frames the fairy tale not as children's entertainment but as a serious genre with profound social ramifications, tracing its evolution and function within society. The book provides both a comprehensive history of the form and a compelling theory for its persistent relevance.

Zipes distinguishes his study through a compelling blend of theoretical framework and concrete case studies, examining the "stickiness" of these narratives through the lenses of memetics and cultural evolution. Readers with a deep interest in folklore, literary theory, or cultural studies will find a rich, scholarly yet accessible exploration of how stories survive and adapt. The book's greatest impact lies in its ability to reframe familiar tales, revealing the complex social engines that keep them alive and potent in the modern imagination.