Reading Anne Sexton’s “Snow White” challenged my view of fairytales. Unlike the happy cartoon, Sexton’s poem focuses on the Queen’s obsession with beauty, fueled by the magic mirror. The constant pressure to be “fairest” makes the Queen cruel, and Snow White’s innocence is described in a way that feels strange. This darkness made me view fairytales in a less childish light and it makes me wonder if fairytales, like maybe even “Bluebeard” where a wife disobeys and gets killed, are more about warnings and social norms than happily ever afters.
Daily Archives: April 6, 2024
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Reading “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm taught me a lot about fairy tales. It’s not just about teaching lessons, as some of them can be dark. For instance, the stepmother’s jealousy and egotism show how some fairy tales can be dark. She persists in harming Snow White due to her jealousy, reflecting an unkind and harmful behavior. Despite the danger she faced, Snow White remained strong and brave. She fought for herself and did not give up even when she was poisoned. In the end, she fought back and was saved. “Snow White” is not just about good versus bad. It shows how people can be complicated with lots of different emotions. As a result, the story becomes more interesting and helps readers understand deeper emotions in fairy tales.
