ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -There are oftentimes also magic numbers. The numbers three and seven are very special and fairy stories wouldn’t be the same without them. There are plenty of examples of these numbers being used in fairy tales-3 little pigs, 7 dwarves, 3 fairy godmothers, 3 wishes, 7 mermaid sisters, 3 bears.

Detailed explanation-2: -The third child is the hero of the story, the one who’s rewarded for their goodness, or cleverness. Another reason why the pattern of three is common in fairy tales and folk tales is to make it more memorable to those who heard the tale.

Detailed explanation-3: -As to why 3, 7 and 9 are important, they’re all odd numbers. According to Bambi Turner, even numbers are considered unlucky and odd numbers are lucky. Perhaps this is due to the fact odd numbers can’t be halved (2020). In the case of 3 and 7, they’re also prime numbers – so only divisible by themselves and one.

Detailed explanation-4: -A series of three is often used to create a progression in which the tension is created, then built up, and finally released (such as in “The Three Little Pigs” or “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”).