As Hallett and Karasek note in regard to retellings of old tales, “The familiarity of the tales also invites an Ironic perspective, as the writer I poses a modern self-consciousness upon the one-dimensional nature of the fairy tale characterization… reflecting our society’s fascination with the deeper wellsprings of human behaviour.” Certainly, many of these retellings have a strongly feminist slant. “As [women] have struggled to assert their position in the societal and political worlds, some have identified the fairy tales as an early contributor to sexual inequality, noting that the female is often depicted as passive and subservient, the beautiful appendage to the superior male” (Hallett & Karasek p.235).
TOPIC: Compare the new and old versions of ONE of the following choices. How does the retelling alter the message and representation of women and female sexuality and/or power?
1. Comparing new versions of “Red Riding Hood”
There are many versions of this tale, so choose a few old and new to focus on rather than trying to cover them all. Focus on the new as we have already discussed the older versions in class.
Original Little Red Riding Hood stories begin p.25-39
“Little Red Riding Hood” by David McPhail p.238
“The Company of Wolves” by Angela Carter p.240
“Wolf” by Francesca Lia Block p.248
2. Comparing new versions of “Cinderella”
There are many versions of this tale, so choose a few old and new to focus on rather than trying to cover them all. Focus on the new as we have already discussed the older versions in class.
Original Cinderella tales begin p.40-75
“When the Clock Strikes” by Tanith Lee p.266
“The Wicked Stepmother’s Lament” by Sara Maitland p.279
3. Comparing new versions of “Snow White”
There are many versions of this tale, so choose a few old and new to focus on rather than trying to cover them all. Focus on the new as we have already discussed the older versions in class.
Original “Snow White” tale p.101 by Grimm
“Snow White” Merseyside Collection p.284
“Snow, Glass, Apples” by Neil Gaiman p.290
4. Comparing a new version of “Beauty and the Beast”
Original tale: “Beauty and the Beast” by Madame Leprince de Beaumont p.128
“The Tale of the Rose” by Emma Donoghue p.300
