Monday, November 27, 2023

Assignment 204: A Feminist Critique of Selected Fairy Tales

 This blog is written as a part of my third semester assignment in the paper of Contemporary Western Theories and Film Studies. In this blog, I will explore the topic "Examining the Patriarchal Narratives: A Feminist Critiques of Selected Fairy Tales".


Name: - Trushali Dodiya

Roll No: - 19

Semester: - 3(Batch 2022-24)

Enrolment number: - 4069206420220011

Paper No: - 204

Paper name: - Contemporary Western Theories and Film Studies

Paper code: - 22409

Topic: - A Feminist Critiques of Selected Fairy Tales

Submitted to: - Smt. S. B. Gardi Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University

Email Address: - trushalidodiya84@gmail.com



Abstract:

From a young age, girls learn about being women and what society expects from them. Fairy tales play a big role in teaching these ideas across different cultures, showing specific ways girls are supposed to behave. This research looks at how feminists criticize fairy tales, examining the traditional stories from a feminist point of view. The goal is to closely study the deep-rooted stories that support a male-dominated society. By looking closely at well-known tales like 'Cinderella,' 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' and 'Beauty and the Beast,' the research explores how power works in relationships and how these stories affect how children grow up.


Table of Content:

  • Introduction
  • What is Feminist Criticism?
  • Representation of Female Archetypes
  • Power Dynamics
  • Impact on Socialization 
  • Conclusion
  • References

Introduction:


"Some Day My Prince Will Come" - a sentence nearly every child has grown up listening to. Children stories are not not just to amuse them but also to teach them. Thus these stories play pivotal role in shaping their midsets at a very young age. Fairy tales, such as 'Cinderella' have long been ingrained in our upbringing, not just as sources of entertainment but as influential narratives shaping perceptions of an ideal and socially acceptable woman. Simon De Beauvoir, in her book 'The Second Sex,' aptly states, "One is not born but rather becomes a woman," (De Beauvoir) highlighting the societal construction of femininity. These fairy tales, while serving as entertainment, simultaneously reinforce specific mentalities deeply rooted in patriarchal norms. The narratives perpetuate patriarchal dominance, influencing the consciousness of girls from childhood. Importantly, this influence extends beyond the perspective of girls, impacting boys as well. These tales shape young minds, fostering dreams of a prince who perpetually rescues them, contributing to the development of female body consciousness and behavioral patterns.


Merriam Webster Dictionary characterizes fairy tales as embodying "seemingly unreal beauty, perfection, luck, or happiness," emphasizing their fictional and misleading nature. The stories convey a false portrayal of life to children. (“Fairy-tale Definition & Meaning”)


What is feminist Criticism?

Feminist criticism, as a literary concept emerging in the 1960s, is defined by Annette Kolodny in three ways: (1) any criticism written by a woman, regardless of the subject; (2) any criticism by a woman about a man's book from a "political" or "feminist" perspective; and (3) any criticism by a woman about a woman's book or female authors in general. (Kolodny 1) Influential works such as Mary Wollstonecraft’s 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), John Stuart Mill’s 'The Subjection of Women' (1869), Margaret Fuller’s 'Woman in the Nineteenth Century' (1845), Virginia Woolf’s 'A Room of One’s Own' (1929), and Simon De Beauvoir’s 'The Second Sex' have significantly contributed to the development of feminist literary criticism. 


Lisa Tuttle describes the ultimate goal of feminist criticism is “to develop and uncover a female tradition of writing,” “to analyze women writers and their writings from a female perspective", “to rediscover old texts", “to interpret symbolism of women's writing so that it will not be lost or ignored by the male point of view” “to resist sexism in literature and to increase awareness of the sexual politics of language and style". (Tuttle)


Numerous fairy tales fall into this category, including well-known stories like Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, and The Yellow Dwarf.


Representation of Female Archetypes:

In fairy tales, there are common recurring female archetypes that play pivotal roles in shaping the storyline. These archetypes include the Virtuous and beautiful girl, the cruel Stepmother, the Benevolent Fairy Godmother, and the handsome Prince who often comes to the rescue of the heroine.


Marcia R. Lieberman observes in "Some Day My Prince Will Come": Female Acculturation through the Fairy Tale that there are recurring patterns in fairy tales, such as the well-known archetype of the wicked stepmother, a character that has garnered widespread attention. Another prevalent theme is the beauty contest, where the narrative often revolves around the prettiest girl, typically the youngest or most beautiful daughter, who is singled out for either punishment or reward. Despite initial oppression, these beautiful girls are ultimately chosen for reward, underscoring the societal emphasis on the value placed on physical attractiveness. Lieberman also points out the association of good temper and meekness with beauty, contrasting with ill-temper linked to ugliness. This connection not only reinforces traditional gender stereotypes but also shapes children's expectations concerning character traits and physical appearance. (Lieberman 385)


In tales such as Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast have familiar archetypes weave through the narratives.



In Cinderella, Cinderella is a beautiful girl who has An abusive stepmother and two stepdaughters who are invited to a royal ball, leaving behind their daughter and sister whom they call Cinderella. Her fairy godmother appears and grants Cinderella’s wish to go to the ball, magically providing a coach, servants, a dress, and perfectly fitted glass slippers. The first night, Cinderella returns before the spell is broken at midnight. On the second night, she leaves in haste as the bell chimes at midnight, dropping one of her glass slippers and having to run all the way home. The prince sends a herald to every house with the slipper to find its owner, and Cinderella is finally discovered. She marries the prince and lives happily ever after. (Chang)


In "Beauty and the Beast," Beauty is a kind, noble, and contented young woman. Society values this contentment in women, suggesting they should not desire more. Similarly, Beauty expresses a simple wish for a red rose, unlike her materialistic sister who desires jewels. Throughout the tale, Beauty dreams of a prince who advises her to follow her heart rather than her eyes. Living with the Beast, Beauty continues to have dreams of this prince charming. As the story unfolds, Beauty accepts the Beast's proposal, triggering a transformation. The Beast turns into a charming prince, breaking the spell that had cursed him. The tale concludes with Beauty and the prince living happily ever after. (Deakin)


In "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Snow White is a beautiful princess with a wicked stepmother who seeks to eliminate her due to the magical mirror declaring Snow White the fairest. Although spared by the huntsman, she discovers refuge with seven dwarfs. Despite the dwarfs' protection, her cruel stepmother, disguised as an old lady, tricks her into eating a poisoned apple, inducing a deep sleep. A prince, with whom Snow White shares a special connection, discovers her in this enchanted slumber. His kiss breaks the spell, awakening Snow White. The story concludes with their marriage, highlighting the triumphant power of true love over adversity, and they live happily ever after. (Wei)

The fairy tale "Snow White and Rose Red" provides a unique perspective on traditional gender roles. In this narrative, both Snow White and Red Rose consistently engage in helping others, guided by the lessons taught by their mother. The tale doesn't heavily emphasize their physical beauty. Their acts of assistance include helping a Bear and later aiding a Dwarf, although the Dwarf remains ungrateful. The revelation comes when the Bear transforms into a prince and kills the ungrateful Dwarf. However, the story takes a familiar turn as both sisters marry, one to the Prince and the other to his brother, aligning with traditional notions of marriage. Despite this, the narrative underscores that both girls are not portrayed as weak, challenging the conventional portrayal of women in traditional roles. (“Snow White and Rose Red | Fairy Tales | Bedtime Stories”)


Analyzing these tales reveals recurring themes: the beautiful heroine with names such as Beauty and Snow White, the presence of a cruel stepmother, and societal emphasis on both outer and inner beauty. The narrative often culminates in a prince saving the heroine, and their union signifies the ultimate goal—a happily ever after, emphasizing the cultural significance placed on marriage and achieving societal ideals.


Power Dynamics :

The power dynamics within traditional fairy tales often reflect deep-rooted patriarchal norms. In Cinderella, for instance, the protagonist is subjected to mistreatment and oppression by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Her situation only changes when a fairy godmother intervenes, facilitating her marriage to a prince.


Similarly, in Beauty and the Beast, jealousy among Beauty's sisters and her father's decision to send her to the Beast for his own safety showcase underlying patriarchal influences. Beauty's initial fear of the Beast transforms into acceptance over time, leading to her eventual marriage to the transformed prince.


In Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the stepmother's attempts to harm Snow White reveal a power dynamic where the heroine is consistently in a vulnerable position. Once again, it is the intervention of a prince that saves Snow White from the malevolent plans of her stepmother.


These narratives consistently depict heroines as passive figures, highlighting a societal notion that women are unable to protect themselves. The recurring theme of rescue by a male figure reinforces the belief that women are delicate and in constant need of male protection.


This portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics in fairy tales contributes to the perpetuation of societal expectations, suggesting that women are inherently weak and dependent on men for their safety. It implants these ideas into young minds, shaping perceptions of gender roles and reinforcing traditional norms. The need for a shift in these narratives towards more empowered and self-reliant female characters is increasingly recognized in contemporary storytelling.


Impact on socialization:

Fairy tales greatly influence how we perceive ourselves and our roles in society. They often adhere to traditional ideas about gender behavior, particularly in romantic relationships where themes of love and rescue prevail. These narratives can also impact body image and our standards of beauty. Across diverse cultures, different tales shape our perspectives on gender roles, relationships, and morality. Examining how fairy tales influence our thinking and media skills is crucial as they play a significant role in our upbringing. Understanding this impact over time provides valuable insights into our behaviors and beliefs.


Marcia R. Lieberman highlights how certain fairy tales associate marriage with wealth, reinforcing stereotypical materialistic expectations for girls. The consistent portrayal of good, poor, and pretty girls winning rich and handsome princes perpetuates these expectations. This materialistic emphasis is not mirrored for male characters, highlighting a gender bias.

The depiction of gender roles and power dynamics in fairy tales contributes to the perpetuation of societal expectations, suggesting that women are inherently dependent on men for safety. These ideas are ingrained in young minds, shaping perceptions and upholding traditional norms. Recognizing the necessity for contemporary storytelling to feature more empowered and self-reliant female characters is an evolving aspect of societal progress.


Christine Shojaei Kawan asserts that in a patriarchal society, literature targeted at girls is often intended to impart qualities such as patience, endurance, submission, modesty, and discretion. These books typically emphasize traditional feminine virtues like diligence, cleanliness, and domestic skills. However, Beauvoir's insights suggest that educational stories may harbor concealed messages, be subject to diverse interpretations by children, and even be rejected by them. (Kawan)



Conclusion:

In a nutshell, examining fairy tales from a feminist perspective reveals that these stories often reinforce traditional gender roles. The portrayal of female characters, power dynamics, and the messages conveyed impact how children perceive themselves and societal expectations. While classic tales tend to depict women as passive and in need of rescue, there is a growing recognition for more empowering and diverse narratives. The call is for stories that challenge stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive and fair cultural environment.


Work Cited:


Word Count: 2200

Images: 4


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