When looking at the classic fairy tale of Snow White through a feminist lens, we can see how gender roles and stereotypes are perpetuated throughout the story. From the passive character of Snow White to the powerful male figures in her life, there are many aspects to unpack.
The Passive Princess
Snow White is often portrayed as a passive and helpless character, waiting for her prince to come and rescue her from her troubles. This perpetuates the stereotype that women are weak and in need of a man to save them. Instead of taking control of her own destiny, Snow White relies on others to determine her fate.
The Evil Queen
The character of the Evil Queen also plays into traditional gender stereotypes. She is portrayed as vain and obsessed with beauty, pitting women against each other in a competition for male attention. This reinforces the idea that women should be in competition with each other rather than supporting one another.
The Prince Charming Trope
In many versions of the story, Prince Charming swoops in to save Snow White with true love’s kiss. This reinforces the idea that women need a man to be happy and fulfilled. It diminishes Snow White’s agency and reduces her character to nothing more than a damsel in distress.
Redefining Happily Ever After
To challenge these traditional gender roles and stereotypes, we can reimagine Snow White as a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need a prince to rescue her. By empowering Snow White to take control of her own destiny, we can subvert expectations and promote equality between men and women.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by analyzing Snow White through a feminist lens, we can see how gender roles and stereotypes are reinforced throughout the story. To combat this, we must challenge these narratives and strive for more diverse representations of female characters in fairy tales.
References:
“Feminism: The Essential Historical Writings” by Miriam Schneir
“Gender Trouble” by Judith Butler
“The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir
