The Uses of Enchantment

"The Uses of Enchantment" by Bruno Bettelheim explores how fairy tales serve important psychological functions. It explains that these stories help children understand complex emotions, fears, and moral lessons through symbolic narrative. Fairy tales allow kids to confront universal themes such as good versus evil, loss, and growth in a safe, imaginative context. Bettelheim argues they foster emotional resilience and moral development by enabling children to process real-life struggles indirectly, making difficult experiences more manageable. Overall, the book highlights the vital role fairy tales play in supporting childhood psychological growth.