Intro:
The urban legends that are cautionary tales do exactly as they sound like they would do: caution people against doing certain things, whether it's dangerous, wrong, or inappropriate. The purpose of these tales is often to prevent kids from getting into trouble and doing something they know they shouldn't, plus the morals of cautionary tales are often beneficial to the superstitious and morally conscious.
The Hook:
"A couple's late night make-out session is cut short when they hear a report on the car radio about an escaped killer (who has a hook for a hand) in the vicinity. The girl insists on being driven home immediately; upon arrival at her house, the boy discovers a bloody hook hanging from the passenger-side car door handle." (42) |
This tale cautions against teenage sexuality. If the boyfriend hadn't been so intent on having sex with his girlfriend, he wouldn't have gotten so frustrated and wouldn't have sped off to her house (42). However, because he drove away so quickly, the killer's hook was torn off, getting caught on the handle of the car door (42). This tale cautions against "going all the way," and serves as a deterrent for teenagers who want to "park" (42). The moral of the story is seen through the actions of the girlfriend, because if she hadn't said no and demanded to be brought home, they most likely would have been killed (42). It cautions teenagers against having sex, and serves as a reminder that "it's up to the girl to apply the brakes" (42). This tale originated in the 1950s and is based off the true stories of teenagers who had "gone necking" on Lover's Lane and were returned to their families in pine boxes (42). From there the legend escalated, with the addition of bloody hooks to the murder stories, causing people to put hooks on car doors to remind teens to wait to have sex (42).
Lies and Fireflies:
"Now any kid under age of 12 who lies profusely will be found by the young girl’s grandmother. You’ll dream of fireflies and she’ll bring her sewing kit with her. When you wake up, your mouth will be stitched closed." (43)
This legend is about a little girl who can't stop lying, and her grandmother had gotten so sick of it that she gave her granddaughter dessert laced with tranquilizers, and before falling asleep she saw fireflies (43). The grandmother died of a heart attach just after finishing her last stitch, which is why she haunts other children who frequently lie (B). The threat stands that if you lie profusely, this grandmother will come sew your mouth shut while you're sleeping, and you'll know it's happening because your dreams will be filled with fireflies (43). The obvious moral of the story is that lying is bad, not only because it's wrong, but because your actions impact other people around you. This little girl didn't understand the consequences of lying, despite how much her grandmother tried to change her ways (43). The firefly dreams serve as a cautionary reminder that your mouth will be sewn shut if you continue to lie (43).
The Story of Little Suck-A-Thumb:
One day, Mamma said: "Conrad dear, |
This story warns little children not to suck on their thumbs, a hard habit to break once they've started (44). The little boy in the story who sucks his thumb is named Conrad, and his mother warns him not to suck his thumb or a tailor will cut it off (44). However, the little boy doesn't listen to his mother, hence the need for a cautionary tale, and Conrad is visited by this "great tall tailor" (44). The tailor proceeds to chase poor little Conrad with his giant scissors until he manages to cut off both of the little boy's thumbs (44). This legend serves as an effective teaching method for misbehaved children, and a perpetual threat hanging over the heads of children who don't follow the rules. The moral of the story, in addition to "don't suck your thumb," is to listen to your parents because there will be consequences if you don't.
Conclusion:
Cautionary tales are the legends that are told in order to frighten or trick people, particularly naughty children, into behaving. They often have some sort of warning embedded within the moral of the story, often common truths such as "don't lie" or "cheating is bad," and provide an example of what horrors will transgress if those common truths are disobeyed. Cautionary tales are not limited just to urban legends; in fact, Greek myths are full of cautionary tales, such as Midas and his touch of gold, or Narcissus and his vanity. Fairy tales such as Pinocchio warn against lying, and Little Red Riding Hood serves as a reminder not to talk to strangers. Either way, there is a very specific purpose that accompanies cautionary tales, and that is to warn people not to do something, and if they do that forbidden thing there will be consequences.
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