Jack Zipes
Jack Zipes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jack Zipes is a renowned American scholar of German studies, literary critic, and translator. His full name is Jack David Zipes.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 2, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, Jack Zipes continues to be active in academia and publishing as of this writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Zipes is an American scholar with a focus on German studies. His profession spans multiple fields: academic, literary critic, translator, editor, and writer.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a working-class family in Chicago, Jack Zipes developed an early interest in literature and social justice. He was raised by parents who valued education and encouraged his love for reading. This background likely influenced his future scholarly pursuits, particularly his work on fairy tales and their connection to society.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Zipes has made significant contributions to the fields of German studies, literary criticism, and translation. He is recognized for:
His extensive body of work on fairy tales, including "Breaking the Magic Spell: Radical Perspectives in Fairy Tales" (1979) and "When Dreams Came True: Classical Fairy Tales and Their Transformation" (1993).
Pioneering translations of German literature into English, such as the works of The Brothers Grimm and Heinrich Hoffmann.
Editing various anthologies and collections of fairy tales from around the world.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Jack Zipes' notable works include:
Breaking the Magic Spell: Radical Perspectives in Fairy Tales (1979) - This book is a seminal work that examines the role of fairy tales in shaping societal attitudes towards issues like class, gender, and culture.
When Dreams Came True: Classical Fairy Tales and Their Transformation (1993) - In this work, Zipes explores how classic fairy tales have been reinterpreted and transformed over time to reflect changing social values.
Sticks and Stones: The Troublesome Success of Children's Literature from Slovenly Peter to Harry Potter (2002) - This book looks at the impact of children's literature on societal attitudes towards issues like violence, morality, and education.
Impact and Legacy
Jack Zipes' contributions to the field of German studies have had a lasting impact on academic scholarship. His work has:
Expanded our understanding of fairy tales: By examining these stories through a critical lens, Zipes has shown how they reflect and shape societal attitudes towards issues like class, gender, and culture.
Fostered greater awareness of the importance of translation: Through his pioneering translations of German literature into English, Zipes has made it possible for readers around the world to access these works.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jack Zipes is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Groundbreaking work on fairy tales: His critical examinations of these stories have helped shape our understanding of their role in society.
Pioneering translations of German literature: By making these works accessible to English-speaking readers, Zipes has opened up new avenues for cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
Zipes' work continues to be widely read and referenced today, with his ideas about the power of fairy tales and the importance of translation remaining particularly influential.
Quotes by Jack Zipes
Jack Zipes's insights on:
Alas for those girls who’ve refused the truth: The sweetest tongue has the sharpest tooth.
The Grimm collections were never intended for children. Not because kids were excluded, but because the division we make today of children's literature didn't exist then. The idea of protecting children from tales with violence didn't occur until the earlier part of the 19th century.
Alas for those girls who've refused the truth: The sweetest tongue has the sharpest tooth.
It was not once upon a time, but a certain time in history, before anyone knew what was happening, that Walt Disney cast a spell on the fairy tale, and he has held it captive ever since.
Though Snow White might triumph in the tale, she will undoubtedly acquire a mirror after she marries, matures, and has children, and as the mirror reflects her aging and loss of beauty, she will be confronted by a young girl whose innocence and youth will spark her envy and hatred and perhaps drive her to eliminate her “competition.” It appears as though there is a vicious cycle that entraps women up through today. Everything is played out under the male gaze.
Over the centuries we have transformed the ancient myths and folk tales and made them into the fabric of our lives. Consciously and unconsciously we weave the narratives of myth and folk tale into our daily existence.
What is most disturbing today is that we use rational methods to cultivate the tastes and values of the young in all kinds of educational, religious, and cultural institutions that are predicated on corporate practices and goals. Everything we do to, with, and for our children is influenced by capitalist market conditions and the hegemonic interests of ruling corporate elites. In simple terms, we calculate what is best for our children by regarding them as investments and turning them into commodities.
In 1995, I founded a storytelling program for children called Neighborhood Bridges in collaboration with the Children's Theatre Company of Minneapolis, which is 15 elementary schools in the Twin Cities.
'Once Upon a Time', 'Mirror Mirror' - those shows and films focus on women and their conflict with one another. What the heck is going on in contemporary fairy tales? Women are not dominating the world; they are not evil.