Damsels In Address
It is clearly evident that many fairy tales of childhood tend to shape the reader. Certain moral codes and ideals are tightly woven into the text of many fairy tales, promoting or denoting a character's actions. In the Grimm's fairy tales Cinderella, Brier Rose, and Rapunzel, the heroines of these tales exhibit strong behavioral codes, thus providing opportunity for the young female reader to relate to the damsel, or to model herself to behave in a similar fashion. In accordance with Marcia R. Lieberman's essay, " 'Some Day My Prince Will Come': Female Acculturation Through the Fairy Tale," I agree with the assertion that positive traits in fairy tale indicate reward, while the negative characteristics bring misfortune. A heroine in a fairy tale is to be seen as a mentor, a model to easily portray what is right, and what is inherently wrong. For instance, a passive heroine proves to bring eventual reward through pain and suffering, while a female who is assertive, either mentally or physically, is shunned. Suggestions integrated throughout the text of the three tales provide strong evidence as to the desired morals and values of the society in which the tales were written. Through the examination of t
Throughout Cinderella, the jealous sisters are constantly oppressing the heroine of the tale. The sisters, who enslave Cinderella to complete chores around the palace, portray strong, ill natured, and above all, jealous characters. In contrast, Cinderella represents a relatively passive, young, and beautiful woman. However, in contrast with Lieberman (389), Cinderella is not passive in completing her tasks about the house. Stating, "the system for rewards in fairy tales [...] equates these three factors: being beautiful, being chosen, and getting rich," Lieberman acknowledges the relationship between beauty and eventual success (386). Beauty, however, hides within Cinderella's actions. The words, "After leaving her slipper at the ball she has nothing more to do but stay home and wait," expressions of description, Lieberman suggests that Cinderella exhibits at the core of her emotions, meekness (389). Cinderella's submissiveness is rewarded with the introduction of the prince and her eventual happily ever after status. Rewards only pertain to those who have struggled, and therefore prove worthy. Throughout the tale Rapunzel, the heroine is portrayed as the classic fairy tale character, a damsel in distress. In this case, Rapunzel depends upon others to bring her happiness and in that, freedom. Awaiting the assistance of others, Rapunzel helplessly serves to further institute the notion that success only comes with being passive, specifically, being imprisoned by a cruel witch. Revealing, "so many heroines [...] are locked up in towers, imprisoned by giants, or otherwise enslaved," Lieberman asserts the prominence of an imprisoned maiden in fairy tales (389). As previously stated, Rapunzel depends on her rescuer in order to escape the tower and the wrath of the witch keeping her in custody. Declaring, "The sexes of the rescuer and the person in danger are almost as constantly predictable; men come along to rescue woman who are in danger of death," Lieberman concludes that in most cases, the damsel in distress is in fact distressed as a result of her imprisonment
Some common words found in the essay are:
Brier Rose, Throughout Cinderella, Fairy Tale, Marcia Lieberman, Prince Charming, Damsels Address, Rose Rapunzel, Beauty Rapunzel, fairy tales, fairy tale, College English, Jack Zipes, 'some day prince, female acculturation fairy, heroine tale, rapunzel depends, damsel distress, sleeping beauty, pretty girls, brier rose, prince come' female, day prince come', day prince, heroines tales, acculturation fairy tale,
Approximate Word count = 1409
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
