Literary Allusions to Folk Tales
Shakespeare, King Lear:
“Fie, foh and fum,
I smell the blood of a British man”
Original:
“Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman, Be he alive, or be he dead I’ll grind his bones to make my bread”
The BFG:
The dream the BFG gives to the Fleshlumpeater gives him nightmares of Jack, the giant killer:
“Jack is the only human bean all giants is frightened of. […] They is absolutely terrified of Jack. They is all hearing that Jack is a famous giantkiller”.
Task: What is the impact of the allusions to Jack and the Beanstalk? Why do you think the writers have chosen to make them? What are they trying to imply about characters?
please help anyone
The allusions to Jack and the Beanstalk in both Shakespeare's King Lear and The BFG serve to add depth and meaning to the characters and their situations. By referencing this well-known folk tale, the writers are able to evoke certain emotions, create associations, and convey deeper meanings.
In King Lear, the line "Fie, foh and fum, I smell the blood of a British man" is a direct allusion to the famous line from Jack and the Beanstalk: "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman." This allusion suggests that the character uttering the line, in this case, Edgar disguised as Poor Tom, is cunning and resourceful, just like Jack in the folk tale. It also implies that there is a sense of danger or impending conflict, mirroring the threat that the giant posed to Jack in the original story.
The use of the allusion in The BFG also serves a similar purpose. The BFG mentions how all giants are terrified of Jack, who is portrayed as a famous giant killer. By referencing Jack and the Beanstalk, the writers imply that Jack is a powerful and heroic figure who poses a significant threat to the giants. This adds to the suspense and tension of the story, making it clear that Jack's reputation precedes him and creating a sense of danger for the giants. Additionally, the allusion deepens the connection between the worlds of folklore and the story, emphasizing the fantastical elements.
Overall, the allusions to Jack and the Beanstalk in both these works serve to enhance the storytelling, add depth to the characters, and create a sense of familiarity for the readers or audience. By drawing upon a well-known folk tale, the writers can imply certain qualities and motivations for the characters involved, as well as establish a thematic connection to traditional stories and themes of heroism, danger, and triumph.