Content Category
Literary Criticism
Abstract/Description
Fairy tales are fraught with magical transformations. However, the most important transformation is not a magical one. Characters experience a true transformation of self when they use their agency to make decisions and act, making the shift from childhood to adulthood. The deepest transformations occur when the characters determine their own destiny. Part of this shift to adulthood also includes forming and maintaining relationships with others. The tales of Rapunzel (Grimm’s 1812) and Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Andersen, 1837) include characters who transform both physically but also emotionally. Their agency and transformation of character is manifest through their voices and their hair in the tales. The proper use of voice shows empowerment and the ability to choose and speak up for oneself. Additionally, it allows the characters to take one step further and to form loving relationships, which is part of growing up.
Copyright and Licensing of My Content
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Origin of Submission
as part of a class
Faculty Involvement
Jill Rudy
Location
4188 JFSB
Start Date
17-3-2016 8:30 AM
End Date
17-3-2016 9:30 AM
Included in
Hair, Voice, and Agency: Transformation, Growing Up, and Love in Fairy Tales
4188 JFSB
Fairy tales are fraught with magical transformations. However, the most important transformation is not a magical one. Characters experience a true transformation of self when they use their agency to make decisions and act, making the shift from childhood to adulthood. The deepest transformations occur when the characters determine their own destiny. Part of this shift to adulthood also includes forming and maintaining relationships with others. The tales of Rapunzel (Grimm’s 1812) and Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Andersen, 1837) include characters who transform both physically but also emotionally. Their agency and transformation of character is manifest through their voices and their hair in the tales. The proper use of voice shows empowerment and the ability to choose and speak up for oneself. Additionally, it allows the characters to take one step further and to form loving relationships, which is part of growing up.