Little Red Riding Hood Illustrations, Walter Crane – Participant Interpretation

These two proofs side-by-side, to me, represent the themes of Little Red Riding Hood in such a playful manner. The usage of red and brown ink allows the characters’ expressions and frozen movements to reflect the almost electric energy of danger and anticipation at the final moments of Little Red and Wolf’s stories together. 

I particularly adore the proof of Wolf looking in the mirror, and being either in admiration or in shock of themself wearing Grandmother’s sleeping bonnet. The way Crane has drawn Wolf depicts a similar reaction to myself on occasions when I dress more femme, a feeling of not quite recognising who is staring back at you in the mirror.

The story of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf is one that endlessly fascinates me, and one that offers a plethora of queer interpretations. The desire to leave the forest path, to shift and change yourself, are desires I have found reflected across the queer community.  At times when exploring my sexuality, I have felt to be both Wolf and Little Red – do I stay on the path, or should I explore the wilder part of myself?

Written by Bria Cotton, 2022.

Listen to an audio description of Walter Crane’s Proof from Little Red Riding Hood’s’ Picture Book’: ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, written and recorded by (Un)Defining Queer Participant Bria: