Empowered Fairy-Tale Heroines Reinvent Happily-Ever-After

Lisa L. Ortiz; Sheila M. Rucki

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Chapter 9 Empowered Fairy-Tale Heroines Reinvent Happily-Ever-After

In: Contemporary Fairy-Tale Magic

Authors:

Lisa L. Ortiz

Lisa L. Ortiz
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Sheila M. Rucki

Sheila M. Rucki
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 99–106

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004418998_011

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Abstract

Traditional folk and fairy tales have been a barometer defining social values, behavioral norms, gender roles, and preconceived constructs of happiness. Through fairy tales, young children learn about their social and cultural heritage and build cultural capital (Smith 426). The fairy-tale discourse was also intended to socialize children by modeling gender-specific identities and behaviors (Haase, Critical Approaches 24). Walt Disney’s recreation of the sanitized fairy tale indoctrinated children early with blooming flowers, anthropomorphized wildlife and dainty female lead characters. A virtuous girl’s happy-ending is provided externally: either a handsome prince or a generous fairy rewards beauty and obedience above all. This chapter illustrates two contemporary examples of female fairy-tale characters rebooting their storyline, battling individual villains, rescuing themselves, and forging their own path towards liberation and happiness. The media analysis and discussion reflect a growth of gender equality in Western society, a re-examination of traditional beauty standards, and the ongoing emancipation of the fairy-tale heroine.

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Contemporary Fairy-Tale Magic

Subverting Gender and Genre

Series: At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries, Volume: 129

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004418998

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 23 Dec 2019

Subjects
- Literature and Cultural Studies

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Chapter 9 Empowered Fairy-Tale Heroines Reinvent Happily-Ever-After

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Contemporary Fairy-Tale Magic

Subverting Gender and Genre

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