GENDER STEREOTYPES IN CLASSIC ‘FAIRY TALES’: A FEMINIST READING

  • Unique Paper ID: 168122
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 2646-2650
  • Abstract:
  • The field of literature encompasses several genres, each of which has experienced its own emergence over time. Yet, there is one genre that has been highly esteemed and consistent throughout history, from ancient times to the most contemporary ones, whether it be in written or spoken form. It originated during an era when oral storytelling was still the prevailing narrative form. This genre constitutes fairy tales, replete with enchantment within a realm inhabited by fantastical beings. Fairy tales are universally beloved. Undoubtedly, individuals from all backgrounds have, at least once in their lifetimes, encountered or been exposed to a fairy tale. Folk and fairy tales are among the most ancient types of storytelling that have originated in our world. These literary forms have evolved over centuries and have undergone changes and adaptations from oral narratives to written compositions, theatrical performances, and even cinematic productions. The fairy tale genre is characterised by its simplicity and unambiguous nature, normally centred on a plight of a young woman and a tenacious man who embarks on a mission to rescue her. Fairy tales serve as a source of inspiration for numerous contemporary writers who have rewritten, adapted, and reimagined the traditional stories into fresh narratives. The propensity of fairy tales to undergo revision may be attributed to the inherent staticity and stereotypical nature of their characters. The motivation for this research paper stemmed from the fairy tales that the researchers were exposed to during their childhood, as well as the contrasting feminist viewpoint presented in the modern retellings of those same fairy tales that the researchers read as adults. The objective of this study is to analyse the retrogressive characteristics of certain traditional fairy tales that have been passed down through generations. This will be done by investigating the repeated motifs of the Damsel in Distress and Knight in Shining Armour, which serve to uphold gender roles and other traditional social standards that contradict the principles of feminism.

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 2646-2650

GENDER STEREOTYPES IN CLASSIC ‘FAIRY TALES’: A FEMINIST READING

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