Podcast Summary: Storytime for Grownups – Summer Session: Maidenhood Part 2

Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In the second installment of the Summer Session series, Storytime for Grownups delves deeper into the theme of "maidenhood" by exploring the intricate symbolism embedded within classic fairy tales. Hosted by Faith Moore, alongside her co-host, the episode offers listeners an engaging analysis of how these timeless stories reflect the transition from girlhood to womanhood, emphasizing themes such as puberty, fertility, and societal roles.

Setting the Stage: Summer Session Overview

Faith Moore opens the episode by reiterating the unique format of the Summer Session—a "college class, only fun" experience that departs from the regular weekly storytelling of classic literature. This change is designed to allow listeners to immerse themselves in fairy tales and their broader connections to the literature explored throughout the year.

Faith Moore [00:00]:
"Storytime for Grown Ups is like an audiobook with built-in notes. So brew a pot of tea, find a cozy chair, and settle in. Class is in session."

Continuing the Conversation on Maidenhood

The co-host welcomes returning listeners and acknowledges new audience members, emphasizing the communal aspect of the podcast. They smoothly transition into discussing maidenhood, building upon last week's conversation that focused on Snow White by the Brothers Grimm.

Co-Host [01:09]:
"We are in our second Maidenhood episode today, so we're continuing our conversation from last week about maidenhood."

Engaging the Audience: Questions and Community Involvement

Faith and her co-host actively encourage audience participation, urging listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and join their online community, the "Drawing Room." This interactive approach fosters a deeper connection between the hosts and their audience, making the discussion more dynamic and responsive to listener insights.

Faith Moore [03:19]:
"Tell a friend about the show. Spread the word."

Co-Host [04:02]:
"Join our online community, the Drawing Room, where we have lots of cool conversations going on."

Revisiting Snow White: Audience Reflections

Before delving into new stories, the hosts revisit listener comments from the previous episode, highlighting contemporary critiques of traditional fairy tale elements. Paula Fernandez and Elizabeth express concerns about the prince's role in Snow White, questioning the implications of consent and the prince's motivations.

Paula Fernandez [05:02]:
"I liked how in Grimm's version of Snow White, it wasn't because of the prince's kiss that caused her to come to life again."

Elizabeth [05:02]:
"I'm a little weirded out by the prince in this version of Snow White. He sees this dead girl lying in a coffin and thinks, 'I've got to have her for my own.'"

Symbolism in Fairy Tales: From Snow White to Sleeping Beauty

The discussion shifts to the symbolic representation of maidenhood in fairy tales. The hosts dissect how characters like princes embody the transition to womanhood, symbolizing fertility and the societal expectations placed upon young women. They caution listeners against taking these stories literally, emphasizing the metaphorical layers that convey deeper cultural narratives.

Faith Moore [10:03]:
"A man is needed if you're going to make a baby. This is what I was just talking about before."

Co-Host [10:42]:
"But we're not meant to take these stories literally because if we do, they stop making any sense."

Introduction to Sleeping Beauty: Exploring Multiple Versions

Faith introduces the episode's main focus: Sleeping Beauty. Unlike Snow White, which has a singular well-known version, Sleeping Beauty exists in multiple renditions. The episode presents three distinct versions: Giambattista Basile's Italian rendition "Sun, Moon and Thalia," Charles Perrault's French adaptation, and the Brothers Grimm's "Briar Rose."

Faith Moore [11:01]:
"We're going to read three different versions of this story, just like we did with Cinderella."

Diving into the Stories: Read-Aloud Sessions

The heart of the episode features read-aloud segments of the three versions of Sleeping Beauty. Each version offers a unique take on the classic tale, highlighting variations in plot, character development, and thematic emphasis.

1. Sun, Moon and Thalia by Giambattista Basile

   This version presents a darker narrative where the princess, Talia, undergoes a transformation symbolizing her passage into womanhood. The story incorporates elements of betrayal, cannibalism, and divine intervention, emphasizing the perilous nature of growing up.

   Notable Quote [16:37]:
   "Thalia, hearing these words, began to excuse herself, saying that it was not her fault because the king, her husband, had taken possession of her territory when she was drowned in the sleep."

2. Sleeping Beauty in the Wood by Charles Perrault

   Perrault's rendition retains a focus on beauty and enchantment but introduces complexities in character motivations and magical interventions. The prince's journey to awaken the princess is fraught with challenges, symbolizing the arduous path to maturity and love.

   Notable Quote [32:39]:
   "Take comfort, your majesties," she cried in a loud voice.

3. Briar Rose by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

   The Grimm siblings offer a more sanitized version, aligning closely with the familiar Disney adaptation. However, they maintain elements of magic, curses, and eventual triumph, underscoring the timeless nature of the maidenhood theme.

   Notable Quote [52:40]:
   "And after the feast was over, they gathered round in a ring and gave all their best gifts to the little princess."

Analysis and Symbolic Connections

Post-readings, the hosts plan to analyze the distinct themes and symbolisms in each version, drawing parallels to Snow White and other fairy tales. They emphasize the transformation from girl to woman, the role of external forces (like princes and witches), and the recurring motifs of enchantment and awakening.

Faith Moore [13:02]:
"So as you're listening to these three versions of what is essentially the same story, you can kind of watch the sort of Disneyfication of this story happening before your very eyes."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Faith concludes the episode by teasing an upcoming interview and encouraging listeners to engage with the content by submitting their thoughts and questions. She reiterates the importance of community and listener involvement in shaping future discussions.

Faith Moore [54:00]:
"Please spread the word about the show by posting about it on social media or texting a link to your friends. Subscribe, tap those five stars and leave a positive review wherever you're listening."

Final Thoughts

Summer Session: Maidenhood Part 2 offers a rich exploration of classic fairy tales through the lens of maidenhood symbolism. By presenting multiple versions of Sleeping Beauty, Faith Moore and her co-host provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of how these stories reflect societal views on women's growth and autonomy. The episode not only entertains but also invites critical reflection on the enduring impact of fairy tales in contemporary discourse.