Jack and the Beanstalk

Author: Compiled by the Editorial Committee of "Children's Literature Companion"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: James Leyvitz is a renowned British folklorist. He collected and organized widely circulated fairy tales from British folklore into books, which became household names in the UK, known to all, and had a significant impact worldwide. Multiple translations of his works have circulated in China. Some of his most influential works include The Moon Lake, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Sea Princess, Robin's Story, The Ring and the Fish, The Mad Fox Lu, The Story of the Magician, Little Ding, and Jolly Wepole. Jack and the Beanstalk contains nine fairy tales. Among them are the moon girl symbolizing light; Robin, a simple and diligent young man who was tricked multiple times but eventually became alert and punished the villains severely; King Deified who fought against evil forces; and Jolly Wepole, a clever and brave young woman who achieved happiness. Among these, the most prominent piece is undoubtedly Jack and the Beanstalk. This story is widely known around the world. Jack and the Beanstalk is magical and captivating. A cow was traded for only five beans, which were thrown out the window by the mother. Overnight, they took root, sprouted, and grew into a stalk that reached the sky. The brave young Jack climbed this towering beanstalk to a demon's mansion in the sky and engaged in a fierce battle. Jack not only cleverly stole the demon's gold coins but also stole his golden egg-laying hen and the singing golden lyre. In the end, he designed a plan to overthrow the demon king. The story not only punishes the evil demon who had committed countless crimes but also portrays Jack as a young hero. Jack's intelligence, wit, courage, and fearless spirit in adventure leave a memorable impression. The tense and plot makes this fairy tale highly readable.