Jack and the Beanstalk – Jack's Transformation "Jack and the Beanstalk" is an example of Buildungsroman. As the story progresses, Jack evolves from an immature person to a mature, self-affirming person. Although minor differences exist in the various versions of the tale, such as those between Joseph Jacobs' and Horace Elisha Scudder's versions, the tale can always be read as Jack's quest for maturity. Some critics, however, analyze the story as one in which Jack remains spoiled and immature. While they highlight points that support their claims, a careful analysis of the narrative will reveal that Jack's struggle to grow up and reach maturity is representative of the difficult process of adolescent (especially male) maturation and the process of adolescent socialization. Some critics, as previously stated, argue that Jack neither matures nor learns any lessons throughout the story. For example, Nell B. Byers writes that Jack is "a fellow who makes what would not be considered a prudent investment; who is not above deception in deceiving the giant's wife; who steals the giant's treasures; and who , after killing the giant, lives with his mother forever happy and comfortable" (26). Byers' statement would lead one to believe that Jack doesn't change much. Of course, a literal reading of most versions of the tale supports Byers' claims. Jack appears to be an immature, spoiled brat, or worse. However, deeper reading is necessary to fully understand the meaning of the story. Another critic, William Mayne, comments on Jack's lack of maturity and morality in Joseph Jacobs' version of "Jack and the Beanstalk". In this version, Mayne states that Jack "went to another land where he had no right to be, and put himself... in the middle of the paper... Works Cited Bettelheim, Bruno. The Use of Enchantment: The meaning and importance of fairy tales. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1977. Byers, Nell B. "Porridge For Goldilocks." Education Digest March 1949: 25-26 . Mayne, William ed. Book of Giants. E. P. Dutton & Co., 1968. Scudder, Horace Elisha. Ed. Eva March Tappen. 1907. 23-33.Utley, Francis Lee Introduction Co., 1970. 14-15. Wolfenstein, Martha"., 1955. 243-45.