BB (Part One) Questions:
1. What happens in Perrault's BB? Why do you think Perrault's version of BB has two morals? Do they conflict with each other?
2. What happens in the Brother's Grimm version, "Fitcher's Bird"? How is the bird an important symbol?
3. How do the Grimms' two versions of the BB story relate? Why do you think they told two?
4. Is there a moral to Jacobs' "Mr. Fox"? How does it relate to the versions by Perrault and Grimm? Or does it department significantly?
5. What happens in Atwood's adaptation, "Bluebeard's Egg"? How does it retell the BB legend?
6. Describe the relationship between Ed and Sally in Atwood's "Bluebeard's Egg." How are we meant to feel about these characters, especially Sally?
7. Is there a lesson for women in Atwood's "Bluebeard's Egg"? Has the message (to women or anyone else) changed since Perrault and/or Grimm?
BB (part two)
1. Oates's short adaptation, " Blue-Bearded Lover," she presents a heroine whom she tells us (at the end in her author's note) is the one in power and manipulative by being different (more complicit) than BB's other wives, who died. In this way, she saves her life and takes control of herself and BB. First, do you believe this? Second, Oates finds this chilling--do you? Or is it just survival?
2. Updike's "Bluebeard in Ireland" shares a lot in common with Atwood's "Bluebeard's Egg." How does it tell the BB story? Do you think either George or his wife are sympathetic? How does it compare to Atwood's version?
3. In her essay, "Sex and Violence...," Maria Tatar gives several motives for the Grimms' dark versions of the classic stories. What are they? Do you think they make sense?
BB (Part Three); Angela Carter's "The Bloody Chamber"
1. How does this version retell the BB story? Did the end surprise you?
2. Why do you think Carter had a woman and a mother save the heroine?
3. Why do you think the Bluebeard figure continued to get married, if only for such a short time? Do you think his pleasure was in torture and killing?
4. Do you think it significant that the piano tuner is blind? Why or why not?
5. Do you think Bluebeard planned her death all along? How do you know either way?
6. Talk about symbolism--flowers, colors, etc. How do they work in this version?
7. Did you think this version was empowering for women?