Snow White Paternalism Analysis

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When analyzing a classic fairytale such as, Snow White, by the Brothers Grimm through a feminist lens, it is clear that it is a phallocentric fairytale that includes stereotypes, gender roles, the male gaze, and paternalism.
Paternalism is present in the fairytale in a couple of ways. The dwarfs act as if it is their responsibility to protect Snow White: “let no one in when we are not with you”. This quote shows they are very protective of her and feel as though they need to protect her from the Evil Queen. The other act of paternalism is between Snow White and the Huntsman: “the huntsman took pity on her, and he said, "Run away, you poor child’”. This quote, like the other, shows that the male authority figure felt that he needed to protect her by sparing her life. …show more content…

In the beginning when they first meet: “If you will jeep house for us, and cook, make beds, wash, sew, and knit, and keep everything clean and orderly, then you can stay with us”. Furthermore, this quote shows that in order for the dwarfs to keep Snow White safe she must do the basic “female” jobs such as cooking and cleaning because they are out working and doing “male” jobs. Another gender role is at the end when the heroic male accidently dislodges the piece poison apple from her throat and saves the helpless Snow White by bringing her back to life.
Although the fairytale does a good job at separating male and female roles. It is clear that the creation of Snow White and the Evil Queen are quite different (as far as stereotypes go). Snow White, having typical feminine stereotype, is portrayed as gentle, kind, sensitive, and dependent by not being able to protect herself from the Evil Queen. On the other hand, the Evil Queen is more masculine because she is aggressive, independent, insensitive and cruel because of her confrontations with Snow

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