Title of Presentation or Performance

Framing Snow White: Contemporary Use (and Abuse) of Classical Fairy Tales

Submission Type

Event

Expected Graduation Date

2013

Location

Room E105, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-20-2013 10:00 AM

End Date

4-20-2013 11:00 AM

Disciplines

Comparative Literature | Other Classics

Abstract

Contemporary American fairy tale scholar Jack Zipes illustrates the influence of societal norms upon the creative mind, asserting, "we reproduce images consciously and unconsciously that are not of our own making." The character of Snow White is one such image that continues to reappear in literature and in different media venues. In both folklore and literary fairy tales, Snow White was quite often locked into a frame of domesticity, reflecting the traditional role society defined for women. In contemporary media, Snow White is presented as a warrior who embraces her masculine side. While this shift from housewife to warrior illustrates modern desire to empower women, the result is yet another frame for this female character. Therefore, in her long life in literature and on screen, Snow White serves as an example of women's subordination to the ever changing societal demands.

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Apr 20th, 10:00 AM Apr 20th, 11:00 AM

Framing Snow White: Contemporary Use (and Abuse) of Classical Fairy Tales

Room E105, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Contemporary American fairy tale scholar Jack Zipes illustrates the influence of societal norms upon the creative mind, asserting, "we reproduce images consciously and unconsciously that are not of our own making." The character of Snow White is one such image that continues to reappear in literature and in different media venues. In both folklore and literary fairy tales, Snow White was quite often locked into a frame of domesticity, reflecting the traditional role society defined for women. In contemporary media, Snow White is presented as a warrior who embraces her masculine side. While this shift from housewife to warrior illustrates modern desire to empower women, the result is yet another frame for this female character. Therefore, in her long life in literature and on screen, Snow White serves as an example of women's subordination to the ever changing societal demands.