Jack and the Beanstalk: Requirements and Similarities “Jack and the Beanstalk” has been around for hundreds of years. As time goes by,` more modern interpretations continue to be created. The specific versions I looked at include, “The Wang-Liang’s Magic Cap” translated by Wolfram Eberhard, “Jack and the Beanstalk” by Joseph Jacobs, “Thirteenth” by Thomas Frederick Crane, “Jack and the Beanstalk” by Lillian Craig. Although Jacobs’ and Craig’s version share the same title, there is a difference between them which includes an extra helper figure in Craig’s version. The similarities and differences vary among the versions. Jack and the Beanstalk requires several different factors to be considered an AT-328: The Treasures of the Giant, but…show more content… “Wang-Liang’s Magic Cap” involves ogres being hungry for humans and that is why there is a trick for stopping them in their path by pointing a stick at them. Jacobs’ version includes the ogre’s wife warning him upon his arrival stating “Go away, my boy,” “or else my man will eat you up for breakfast” (275). By saying this to Jack, he is clearly being warned of the dangers he is entering upon. In “Thirteenth,” one line from the ogre reads, "I smell the smell of human flesh; Where I see it I will swallow it!" (Crane n.p.). Similar is Craig’s version of Jack and the Beanstalk, the wife of the ogre again warns Jack stating “The giant eats those he can catch” (7), showing her fear of Jack wanting to stay in their home. By having the ogre/giant eat humans, it is another problem for the main character to…show more content… Required features involve there being a larger figure such as an ogre or giant and someone has to repeatedly steal from them. There also must be hunger involved which spikes their actions to begin with. Some common aspects but not necessary to be a “Jack and the Beanstalk” story include the words “Fe-fi-fo-fum” or a variation of it, a bag of gold, a golden hen who lays eggs, and a golden harp. The main character can usually be seen as a child however not in all cases. “Jack and the Beanstalk” is a popular folktale that continues to change with the times, but still contains its required elements!
Works Cited
Craig, Lillian. Jack and the Beanstalk. Cambridge, MA: Educator’s Publishing Service, 1962. Print.
Crane, Thomas Frederick. “Thirteenth.” Italian Popular Tales. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1885. N.p. SurLaLune Fairy Tales. Web. 19 April 2017.
Eberhard, Wolfram. “The Wang-Liang’s Magic Cap.” Folktales of China. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1965, pp. 95-96.
