Sleeping Beauty Stereotypes

Cate Nowlan
Mr. Dils
Research Paper
1/24/15

Sleeping Beauty
The fairytale “Sleeping Beauty” is one of many popular fairy tales that have been altered for centuries. Generally, fairy tales are written for children although they will never understand the messages, morals and stereotypes within. The three most popular versions of “Sleeping
Beauty,” are The Grimm Brothers, Charles Perrault and Walt Disney. Each tale takes you on an enchanting journey of a young princess. The morals in this fairy tale are very important and are common in most fairy tales. Surprisingly, “Sleeping Beauty” is also a good example of bad parenting. Morally it is wrong to shelter a child because it only results in a curious and rebellious adolescent. One can not entirely
Like
Perrault, the King and Queen want a heir. Although they are told by a frog that they will bear a daughter. After the birth, the King invited twelve out of the thirteen total wise women in the kingdom because he only had 12 golden plates. In comparison to Perrault’s version there were seven fairies which play the same role as the wise women in this version. Briar Rose received virtue, beauty and wealth.. etc. The thirteenth wise women entered the hall as the last gift was about to be given, the curse she places on the princess is a direct parallel to Perrault’s version.
The twelfth wise women could not undo the spell but decreed that the princess would not die but fall asleep for 100 years. All spindles in the kingdom were to be burned. The day princess turned fifteen, the king and queen were away. Again like Perrault’s the princess was exploring the palace and came across an old woman in the tower spinning flax. She take her turn at spinning flax and pricks her finger, quickly she falls into a deep sleep. Unlike Perrault’s, the deep sleep spread throughout the entire kingdom without the use of magic from the wise
‘only relating positively to the others ‘awakens’ us from the danger of slipping away our life,”’ (Bettelheim). Hatefully woman are depicted as passive and have a lack of socialization in so many fairy tales. Thankfully a variety of the popular fairy tales are being recreated into today’s reality.

As sad as it is knowing how women have been treated and portrayed throughout history in these fairy tales, it is an excellent learning lesson for all. Women should aspire to have self-success and to be independent. Parents also learn from “Sleeping Beauty” by not sheltering their children. Letting them experience life through their eyes and learn from their own mistakes. On the other hand, one should beware of strangers and bizarre sharp objects such as spindles or spinning wheels. Little girls should feel confident and proud of their own unique qualities apart from the perfect princesses in fairy tales and movies. The old Disney princess films are all pale skinned, red lips, either dark or golden hair and perfect voices. Fortunately times have changed and there are a variety of princess movies, that are all captivating in their own way. Fairy tales have come a long way and taught the public so