Introduction and the symbolism of bread in The Little Red Hen

The importance food holds beyond mere sustenance is apparent in every culture and religion, because for many groups, food is a part of their identity. For example, Islam and Judaism not only have strict dietary laws, but also stringent rules for religious slaughter, as well as prayers to be said before, during, and after a meal. What food a person consumes, how they consume it, and what method through which they procure that food becomes an indicator of their character. 

The reason I've chosen to focus on folk and fairy tales is because food often becomes a central element to the story's message. It is used to teach a lesson, becoming a tool in the narrative to convey an ideology or platitude, and this instruction starts from a young age. One prominent example of this is The Little Red Hen.

The Little Red Hen (1918) is a story that has been pieced together into its modern format from various British and Irish folk tales  from the late 19th century (Doughty, 10). The version of the story most widely recognised would be that illustrated by Florence White Williams in 1918. The hen asks the other animals for help growing and harvesting wheat for bread. The lazy animals refuse to help until it comes time to eat the bread, which is when all volunteer  to participate. Of course the hen, having done all the work by herself, takes pleasure in refusing their "help" and keeps the bread for herself. 

When I first read this story as a child, I remember being enormously satisfied at the ending. After all, why should the other animals reap the benefits of the poor hen's work? Williams' description and illustrations of the animals really emphasises their selfishness, showing them cavorting or making silly expressions as the hen works in the background.

The Little Red Hen appears to be a story about the benefits of a good work ethic and the consequences of indolence, echoing Bakthin's exploration of food as reward for labour: "It concluded work and struggle and was their crown of glory. Work triumphed in food." (305). Yet, Bakhtin focuses more on on the communal nature of the process of labour: "...Both labour and food were collective. The whole of society took part in them.", whereas The Little Red Hen suggests the opposite is not only more often true,but more desirable. Food is the ultimate prize within the story, but also a symbol of independence. The hen's hard work creates the bread, rather than it being given to her, displaying a sense of resourcefulness at odds with the lack of productivity from the other animals. 

She is also the only one shown to actively need to hunt for food: "so busy hunting food for herself and her family" (4), and yet, the other animals still grow fat over the summer, though there is little to no mention of their diet. On this distinctive difference, perhaps, Bakthin can agree: "If food is separated from work and conceived as a private way of life...Nothing is left but a series of artificial, meaningless metaphors." (281-2). In the face of the other animals' idyllic existence, the hen's industry stands out. The others' sustenance is not described because it has no significance beyond mere sustenance and gluttony, particularly when compared to the hen. In the midst of her daily activities, the hen takes the time to cultivate the wheat and enrich her life, whereas the other animals simply accept what is given to them. 

The narrative also emphasises the importance of earning the bread, reinforcing the idea of the hen as independent and resourceful, whereas the other farm animals are dependent upon the farmer for their food. It is why the hen is able to leave the farm to visit the milliner, and use the farmer's tools. By encouraging the farm animals to help her, the hen is also encouraging them to be independent themselves and leave their childish behaviour behind. Denying them bread reinforced the disparities between the hen and the animals; adults are allowed to eat what they want, while children must eat what is given to them.


Works cited:

• Williams, Florence White. The Little Red Hen An Old English Folk Tale. Project Gutenberg, 2006.
• Doughty, Amie A. Childrens and young adult literature and culture: a mosaic of criticism. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Newcastle upon Tyne, 2016.
• Bakhtin, Mikhail, and Helene Iswolsky. Rabelais and His World. Indiana University Press, 2009.