Through The Years, Fairy Tales Have Been Instrumental 124379
Through The Years The Fairy Tales Have Been Instrumental In Shaping
Through the years, "The Fairy Tales" have been instrumental in shaping the western society. Our ideas of "good vs evil," "protagonist vs antagonist," characteristics of a prince, princess, or the wicked witch, or even gender roles have all been shaped by this genre which has its origins in oral storytelling. Demonstrate how some of these concepts have shaped or influenced our society using at least 3 tales to support your answer. Please do not summarize these stories as you are working with famous tales that have influenced society. The paper should be no longer than 4 pages, and should be in third person. Do not forget to cite your references. The paper has to follow the conventions of the MLA format: Times New Roman, 12 pt, Double spaced, 1" margins, Header (last name and page number), at least a couple of in-text citations. Works Cited page must have at least 3-4 citations in the proper format.
Paper For Above instruction
Fairy tales have played a crucial role in shaping Western societal norms, values, and perceptions over centuries. Originating from oral storytelling traditions, these narratives have been passed down through generations, influencing collective consciousness regarding morality, gender roles, and social hierarchies. This essay examines how three iconic fairy tales—"Cinderella," "Snow White," and "Little Red Riding Hood"—have contributed to the construction of societal concepts such as virtue, evil, and gender expectations, reflecting and reinforcing cultural ideals prevalent in Western society.
"Cinderella" and the Concept of Virtue and Social Mobility
The fairy tale "Cinderella" exemplifies Western ideals of virtue, patience, and the eventual reward for goodness. In this story, Cinderella’s kindness and humility are ultimately rewarded with marriage to a prince, symbolizing upward social mobility and the virtue associated with modesty and moral integrity. The narrative reinforces the notion that moral virtue leads to social advancement, shaping societal expectations that goodness and patience are virtues deserving of reward. This story also perpetuates gender roles emphasizing passivity and beauty as desirable traits for women, which has historically influenced societal perceptions of femininity and appropriate female behavior (Zipes, 2006).
"Snow White" and the Depiction of Evil and Innocence
"Snow White" portrays a dichotomy of good versus evil through its characters—the innocent Snow White and the wicked queen. The queen's obsession with beauty and her envy represent societal fears of vanity and superficiality, while Snow White embodies purity and innocence. The narrative underscores the importance of virtue and the peril of envy, shaping societal attitudes toward morality. Moreover, the story emphasizes external beauty as a reflection of inner virtue, influencing societal standards of female attractiveness and the importance placed on appearance, which continues to impact gender norms today (Tatar, 2002).
"Little Red Riding Hood" and Moral Caution
"Little Red Riding Hood" teaches lessons about obedience, caution, and the dangers of naivety. The wolf represents evil lurking in society, and the outcome warns young girls to be wary of strangers and to adhere to societal expectations of obedience and vigilance. This tale has reinforced moral boundaries and gendered behaviors, suggesting that women and girls must be cautious and obedient to avoid victimization. Its influence persists in societal messaging about safety and gendered stereotypes of vulnerability and innocence (Zipes, 2012).
Influence on Societal Norms and Gender Roles
These fairy tales collectively have contributed to shaping societal norms, especially regarding gender roles. The depiction of women as passive, virtuous, and beauty-oriented—such as Cinderella and Snow White—has reinforced expectations of femininity that persist today. Conversely, male characters often embody power, protection, and heroism, influencing societal views on masculinity. The stories serve as moral lessons, guiding behavior and societal expectations from a young age, thereby perpetuating certain gender stereotypes and social hierarchies (Buckley, 2014).
Conclusion
In conclusion, fairy tales are more than simple stories for children; they serve as powerful cultural artifacts that shape perceptions of morality, gender, and social structure. "Cinderella," "Snow White," and "Little Red Riding Hood" exemplify how narratives reinforce societal ideals—be they related to virtue, beauty, or morality—and influence cultural norms that persist across generations. Recognizing these influences allows for a critical understanding of how folklore contributes to societal development and the potential for reshaping these narratives to foster more equitable values.
References
- Buckley, Cloud. The Classic Fairy Tales: Texts, Criticism. Pearson, 2014.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney, 1937.
- Tatar, Maria. The Hard Facts of the Grimms' Fairy Tales. Princeton University Press, 2002.
- Zipes, Jack. Fairy Tale as Myth/Myth as Fairy Tale. Routledge, 2006.
- Zipes, Jack. The Forgotten Fairy Tales of Franz Xaver von Schönwerth. Princeton University Press, 2012.