https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9 Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi en-us 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC 2022-05-26 12:33:20 UTC hello@padlet.com choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762881 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762881 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762882 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762882 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762884 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762884 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762886 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762886 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762887 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762887 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762888 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762888 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762890 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762890 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762891 2022-05-19 17:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191762891 choffman2022 https://padlet.com/choffman2022/uojdbr9rr33fxda9/wish/2191768603 My essential question is how do fairy tales help us discover the flaws of our perceived reality? I have never been interested in magical realism, though when reading the summary of Mr. Fox, by Helen Oyeyemi, I was instantly drawn to the novel. This concept of retelling fairy tales and pursuing them with new themes is one to consider when wanting to expand our ideas and understanding of literature. It can be so impactful to look at reality in a completely different way and is essential to constantly question our own perception of it. I believe doing those things keeps us comfortable with the fact we don’t have all of the answers and probably never will. Mr. Fox follows this theme of a free-flowing narrative that is abstract and complex. In the novel, our main character Mr. Fox is an author who can’t seem to stop himself from killing the heroines in his novels. His imagined muse, Mary Foxe, comes to life and “transforms him from author into subject [and] his story begins to unfold differently,” (Oyeyemi). He battles with the balance between Mary Foxe, and his real wife Daphne. Similar to a fairy tale, Mr. Fox and Mary Foxe seemed destined for each other. Although it is unclear if Mr. Fox can spot the flaws in that reality, or if he is ever fully aware of her fictional presence. Mary seems to serve as a conscience, being blunt with his faults and current problems. Mr. Fox displays how fairy tales and imagined characters help us recognize the impending cracks in our realities. While this story unfolds, there are many sub-plots that interconnect the characters and their circumstances. Readers are able to become so comfortable in each story that it feels so harsh when you’re ripped away and plopped into the next one. Although, it is incredibly satisfying when you see the well-crafted connections between the narratives. I really enjoyed the writing Oyeyemi produced with this novel. The language is extremely honest. Being descriptive and beautiful, Oyeymi writes streaming dialogue and confident characters. While many times standing a bit deceptive in nature, the story finds a way to arrive at realness and integrity. The stories in Mr. Fox were some of the most beautiful pieces of literature I’ve ever read. Oyeyemi really allows you to step into the fantasy and let it take you into a new space. That is what I think fairy tales can do for you as well, while always coming to a conclusion that what you once knew is not what you know now. There is a significant change in the ways you perceive your own reality at the end of a fantastical piece. 

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