Putting Prince Charming in the academic spotlight, this collection examines the evolution of male fairy tale characters across modern series and films to bridge a gap that afflicts multiple disciplines.

Essay aus dem Jahr 2013 im Fachbereich Anglistik - Literatur, , Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Then and Now: Incorporating Feminism into Fairy Tales Fairy tales have been transformed into new adaptations for centuries. Oral tales were transcribed into literary works hundreds of years ago, and today new versions of fairy tales continue to be published. Over time, the implementation and use of gender roles has evolved in new renditions of these stories. Female fairy tale characters have acquired power and strength that was not present in the earliest versions of these popular tales. These changes can be attributed to historical changes in societal norms, including society’s increasing progression toward gender equality in recent centuries. These changes in culture and societal beliefs are so powerful that they affect ideas incorporated into new renditions of stories that were written generations ago.

A Jungian psychologist explores what we can learn about women—and men—from the feminine archetypes, symbols, and themes found in fairy tales In this engaging commentary, the distinguished analyst and author Marie-Louise von Franz shows how the Feminine reveals itself in fairy tales of German, Russian, Scandinavian, and Eskimo origin, including familiar stories such as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Rose Red, and Rumpelstiltskin. Some tales, she points out, offer insights into the psychology of women—while others reflect the problems and characteristics of the anima, the inner femininity of men. Drawing upon her extensive knowledge of Jungian psychology, Dr. von Franz discusses the archetypes and symbolic themes that appear in fairy tales as well as dreams and fantasies, draws practical advice from the tales, and demonstrates its application in case studies from her analytical practice.

Responding to thirty years of feminist fairy-tale scholarship, this book breaks new ground by rethinking important questions, advocating innovative approaches, and introducing woman-centered texts and traditions that have been ignored for too long.

One method of promoting gender equality that has gained popularity in recent years involves revising the fairy tales, primarily the ones compiled and revised by Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Anderson, and the Grimm brothers, to create versions in which the female characters have agency and purpose outside of furthering patriarchal gender ideals. The primary goal of the feminist fairy-tale revision is to give the female characters agency, not because they are women, but because they are functioning characters within the story. While there are many authors who attempt to create fairy-tale revisions that embody a feminist perspective, not all are successful, and some do even more harm than good in their attempts. This thesis argues that Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West stands as an effective feminist fairy-tale revision because its female protagonist possesses the agency to explore her gender identity, to pursue education, and to influence the world around her with violent actions. By presenting Elphaba’s life and choices without judgment or apology, Maguire creates a fairy-tale revision that encapsulates the message that so many feminist revisionists have failed to convey: the female protagonist deserves agency not merely because she is female, but because she is a fully-developed person.

"Brilliant, hysterical, truthful and real. These essays illuminate the path for our future female leaders." - Reese Witherspoon "As a feminist who loves pink, I give this brilliant book of essays an enthusiastic "YES"" - Mindy Kaling You need this book. Funny, powerful and personal writing by women, for women, about what the F word means to them. Every woman has a different story to tell. Reading them all in one book might just change your life. New pink feminists are being announced every week - follow @feminists on Instagram to find out more! Keira Knightley - Gemma Arterton - Bridget Jones (by Helen Fielding) - Saoirse Ronan - Dolly Alderton - Karen Gillan - Alicia Garza - Jameela Jamil - Kat Dennings - Nimco Ali - Beanie Feldstein - Olivia Perez - Amika George - Evanna Lynch - Akilah Hughes - Tanya Burr - Grace Campbell - Alison Sudol - Kiernan Shipka - Elyse Fox - Charlie Craggs - Rhyannon Styles - Skai Jackson - Tasha Bishop - Lolly Adefope - Bronwen Brenner - Dr Alaa Murabit - Trisha Shetty - Jordan Hewson - Amy Trigg - Em Odesser - Emi Mahmoud - Lydia Wilson - Swati Sharma **Published in partnership with Girl Up, the UN women's foundation, royalties will benefit this amazing charity**