Bruno Bettelheim believes that “Little Snow White” is really about how a young girl grows up and becomes more mature. He talks about the growth and maturation of Snow White. He emphasizes her development and journey towards maturity as a central theme in the tale. Anne Sexton’s version of the story is different because it focuses more on the feelings and emotions of Snow White. She explores the sadness and pain that Snow White goes through, which the original fairy tale doesn’t talk much about. In Sexton’s version, Snow White’s experiences are more somber, and her relationship with the prince is portrayed in a more complex and emotional way. It’s like she’s diving deeper into the emotional side of the story.
Daily Archives: November 11, 2023
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Bruno Bettelheim’s psychologically informed interpretation of “Little Snow White” suggests that the story is a coming-of-age story about a girl’s growth, highlighting the misinformation and mistreatment of women in fairy tales. He compares this to Anne Sexton’s presentation of the story, which portrays women as less valuable than men, often labeled as weak and in need of men. Women often aspire to beauty, as they are often princesses and kind, while unattractive women are labeled as witches. Snow White, as an ordinary girl, developed her ability to deal with societal evils. Both Bettelheim and Sexton emphasize the need for young women to be more self-reliant and considerate in a culture where they are often mistreated. Bettelheim’s interpretation uses language like maturity, narcissism, and sexuality to convey the reality that fairy tales can have on children, and suggests that they should not be read in the wrong way. On the other hand, Sexton’s retelling of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” highlights the importance of women and their role in society. Bettelheim argues that all fairy tales are not good for kids and should not be read, while Sexton emphasizes the value of women and their importance.
Bruno Bettleheim’s psychologically Oriented reading of “Snow White” interprets that the story is a young girl’s maturity and self discovery. “Snow White’s story teaches that just because one has reached physical maturity, one is by no means intellectually and emotionally ready for adulthood, as represented by marriage. Considerable growth and time are needed before the new, more mature personality is formed” (Bettleheim.) On the other hand, Anne Sexton’s interpretation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” represents a darker and more complex perspective. “Meanwhile Snow White held court, rolling her china-blue doll eyes open and shut and sometimes referring to her mirror” (Sexton) “as women do.” Sexton’s poem delves into themes of societal expectations and the societies beauty standards. Unlike Bettelheim’s focus on personal development and fairy tale concept Sexton’s version offers expectations imposed on women.
