English Exam Criticisms

How/why does this critic say that Cinderella's birth mother is similar to Cinderella's stepmother?

Both parental figures help to shape and influence Cinderella's life and development.

How does Bottigheimer say the earliest Cinderella figures differed from the modern ones?

Bottigheimer explains that the earlier tales tend to be darker and had much more darker themes and moral lessons than the more recent versions of Cinderella. The stories now are more romanticized than the older versions.

Why/how does Bottigheimer say that the Cinderella tale experienced a "devolutionary sequence" in getting to the Disney portrayal of the character? What happened to her?

Bottigheimer says that in original cinderalla stories she would use her cleverness and intelligence to save herself from the mistreatment that she would experience but for the Disney way they made it so Cinderella waits for the prince to come to her rescue.

Why does Bottigheimer say it becomes easy and natural for middle-and upper-class children to identify with Cinderella?

Bottigheimer says that middle class and upper class children relate to these stories because they grow up with not a lot of money and having to work for things like Cinderella had to.

What does Tatar say the Grimms' decision to name their character "Little Briar Rose" suggest?

He suggest that her name is suggesting status rather than potential for action. Makes her seem very childlike and not as mature or belittles her.

What does Pantajja say is Cinderella's real "problem" or obstacle in the story?

Her real "problem" here is that her mother has died and she is left motherless

Why/how is LRRH's journey through the woods symbolic? Why/how does her perceived age make a difference?

Her walk through the forest vacillates between child neglect and an initiation ritual.

Why are the mother's words to Cinderella in the beginning of the Grimms' version of the tale particularly important?

Her words at the beginning are particularly important because it is here that the tale sets forth the problem which it will then go on to solve.

How can food be seen as a symbol in the tale?

In the story food can be seen as a symbol of innocence, sexuality, temptation and the boundaries between domesticity and the wild.

What is one of the main things that portrays Grimms' "Aschenputtel" as a humble woman?

One thing that shows her as a humble woman is the fact that she stays kind and gentle even when she is forced to do all this hard work. She does the work without getting mad and frustrated.

What evidence of gender asymmetries in fairy tales does feminist Simone de Beauvoir present?

Simone was the first to alert gender asymmetries in stories such as the Woman in Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White. She points out how in all of these stories woman need saving from princes to fight their battles and help rescue them.

In what way can Snow White be said to have "exchanged one glass coffin for another" at the end of the tale?

Snow White was originally placed in a glass coffin when she died and later she finds herself in a metaphorical "glass coffin" because she becomes the princess of a palace.

What role does social class play in the evolution of Cinderlla stories?

Social class plays a major role in the evolution of Cinderella because it shows a poor and not as fortunate girl who has been forced to live in harsh conditions and do all this work eventually become part of the wealthy or royal class.

What are some of the ways in which the fairy tale style accomplishes its aim for "certainty and sharpness"?

Some ways that it does this is not only with the characters and how they are outlined but also how it gets to the point and the overall setting.

What existential belief do tales with magical assistance like Cinderella foster? Why/how do you think this links with their popularity?

Stories like these tend to make people feel hope that there is possible change for them or that happiness is to come even when things may seem tough or difficult. I think stories like these give people the hope or make people happy to see that things might be hard right now but they will get better.

When did children start to become part of the audience? What changes were made to tales as a result?

The children became part of the audience when they received education and learned how to read. They also added images for the kids to be able to picture what is happening and understand better

What does the critic mean by there being "fundamentally a class difference" between Cinderella and her stepsisters?

The critic is referring to the social and economic disparities that shape their identities and experiences.

Why does this critic say that "Cinderella's mother's role is far from marginal"?

The critic says that the words and actions of Cinderellas mother are of vital importance in narrative sequencing and the overall "moral" of the story.

Despite the father's literal absence, what is the one way in which the critics say the father IS present in the story? Why do they say he no longer need to actually appear in the story?

The critics say that the father is the voice of the looking glass, the patriarchal voice of judgement the rules the Queen's as well as every woman's self-evaluation. He decides who is fairest of them all and is the one who decides that his daughter is more beautiful than the Queen. He does not need to appear in the story because having assimilated the meaning of her own sexuality the woman has internalized the King's rules.

How did the literary fairy tale of the 19th century differ from the oral folktale in terms of community? How/why is this linked to social class?

The fairytale uses more magic or some form of magic. They have evolved from much more gruesome stories for adults to more peaceful and magical stories for children

What do the frequent interactions between wolves and humans tend to warn against in fairy tales?

The frequent interactions between the wolves and the humans convey the deep cultural concerns about the dangers which lie outside the safe structured human world.

How/why do clothes play an important part in the tale? What "metaphysical truth" do they reveal?

The importance of clothes reveals the nature of identity and signify that true worth is not solely determined by social class or external appearance but is also linked to inner qualities

How are the fairy tale hero's journey and challenges "like us"? Why are the hero's allies and helpers so important to the hero's growth and development?

The journey and challenges are like us because it's about the growth process and being isolated and need help

How/why can the wolf be considered a "destroyer of peace"? How is this linked back to the German culture's view of wolves and the qualities associated with them?

The wolf is considered "destroyer of peace" because it symbolizes the destructive and chaotic forces which threaten to break moral and social order. The wolf embodies cultural anxieties about sexuality.

What role does he say the wolf plays in the story?

The wolf is the catalyst in the story because it brings the three women together, Red Cap's mother looming in the background or behind the presence of the predator and the two women representing the two generations that surround her. The wolf is tied to the fates of these three women and their intergenerational conflict. He is also the projection of their fears and desires.

How can the wolf be said to reflect both LRRH's mother and grandmother?

The wolf reflects the mother because although she is absent in a physical sense, she is always present in her symbolic relationship with the other two women; the wolf becomes a reflection of these women. The lone wolf embodies or shares the grandmothers isolation from the communal bond in the forest.

What can the stepsisters' ultimate punishment be said to emphasize?

Their final punishment can be understood, not as sudden and reprehensible excess of power, but rather as a mere elaboration of their own immortality.

What do G & G say the dwarves represent? In what ways do they help to "educate" Snow White?

They say that the dwarves represent her own dwarfed powers, her stunted selfhood, for the little they can do to help save the girl from the queen. They do help educate Snow White because living with them is an important part of her education is submissive femininity, for in serving them she learns essential lessons of service, selflessness and domesticity.

Explain why G & G say that "the Queen and Snow White are in some sense one"? What do they mean by this? Do you agree or disagree?

They say that while Snow White represents purity and innocence, while the Queen represents vanity and jealousy, both characters are reflections of societal expectation of women. Snow White is the ideal passive woman and the Queen as the destructive counterpart. The characters represent the two extremes of femininity. I agree because this helps highlight how women are pressured to conform contrasting roles.

What is meant by Luthi's reference to the fairy tale being "A universe ion miniature"?

This could mean or could reference everything that happens in the world

Why is LRRH's time gathering nuts and flowers important to the story?

This gives the wolf time to get to the grandmother's house before LRRH and shows how she ignored or didn't listen to her moms advice.

1 What effect did the rise of literacy and the invention of the printing press have on oral folktales?

This helped lead to their widespread collection and eventually the publication

Why does he say much has been made of her wearing a red riding hood? Why does he call this "the most incongruous element of the tale"?

This is because it seems odd for a peasant child who has such little wardrobe and most likely limited to one faded dress but she owns a luxury garment as a cloak which is supposed to be for riding. This is odd because the mother is lucky if she can even afford a cow. The most incongruous element of the tale is the fact the little girl who might not even own a pair of shoes owns a scarlet hooded cloak.

What does Delaney say that the red riding hood suggests about LRRH herself?

This suggests that she is living in a fantasy world.

What does Panttaja say about the idea of Romantic love in "Cinderella"?

She says that it is portrayed both as a transformative force and societal expectation

What does Arnds say the wolf can be a "projection" of?

Arnds says that the wolf can be a projection of maternal fears and desires because he appears the moment the mother has absented herself

Why does Arnds say the wolf's devouring of LRRH has significance?

Arnds says that the wolf's devouring of LRRH is significant because the incorporation of Red Cap by the beast indicates that the girl herself is in danger of becoming a witch/wolf. It is an awakening sexuality that marks her limital status between innocence and sinfulness.

What connections does Arnds make between wolves and witches? How/why linked to LRRH?

Arnds says that wolves and witches are both creatures that are linked to ancient folklore and the archetypes of danger, sexuality, and transformation. The connections between the wolves and the witches are important when understanding the evolution of LRRH tale. In the story the wolf plays the role of the predator and symbol of untamed.

Explain some of the "polar contrasts" present in the story.

Fairies are a blessing but they can also be a curse The hedge is like thorns but also like flowers that bloom

According to Gilbert & Gubar, what is the "essential but equivocal" relationship at the heart of Grimms' "Little Snow White"? What are the "enclosures" the two main characters are locked in?

According to Gilbert & Gubar that "essential but equivocal" relationship is between the angel-woman and the monster-woman, which is a relationship that is implicit in Aurora Leigh's speculations about her dead mother. The enclosures that the main characters are locked in is a magic looking glass, and an enchanted and enchanting glass coffin.

According to G & G, why does the huntsman ultimately refuse to kill Snow White?

According to Gilbert and Gubar the huntsman will not kill Snow White because he cannot bring himself to harm someone so innocent and pure that represents the idealized, untainted femininity the she embodies.

How/why could LRRH be perceived to exhibit "witch-like" behavior in the tale?

Although there is no actual witch in the story her position is implicit with all three women in the story. She says that grandmothers are always wicked and being eaten by the wolf she becomes part of the wolf or she becomes wolf. LRRH shows witch-like behavior because of her transformation and her control over events as well as her rebellion against social norms.

What impact does Zipes say "institutionalizing the literary fairy tale" had?

By doing this writers as well as the publishers ended up violating forms of concerns of being unable to read or write especially for the not as wealthy or what was considered the peasant communities

How does "Cinderella" as a tale confront/address the true bride/false bride theme?

Cinderella is supposed to represent the true bride while the stepsisters are supposed to represent ambitious deceivers.

Why does Bottigheimer call Disney's Cinderella "the people's princess par excellence"? What did it do to the character/tale to enable this?

Disneys Cinderella was called the people princess because she represented and embodies the vision of humility, resilience, and romance to a broad audience

According to Delaney, what is the moral of the tale?

Do not talk to strangers because you never know what you might say that can be used against you

Why does Tatar say feminists have tried to make the "Sleeping Beauty" story go away?

Feminists want this story to go away because they do not like the portrayal of gender roles and females being made to look passive.

How does Burne-Jones present a "reciprocal metaphysical relationship" in his painting?

He does this be showing how sleeping beauty is connected and influenced by the nature around her.

Why does Woods ultimately refer to the fairy tale as a "story of self-meeting"? What does he mean by this and why is it important when relating fairy tales to modern society?

He refers to it as a story of self meeting because it is like blooming into yourself and growing as an individual

1. What does he say is the great "magic" of the Disney spell?

He says that it is that he animated the fairytale only to transfix audiences and divert their potential and hopes through false promises of images that he cast on screen.

What does Tatar say "Sleeping Beauty" ultimately preserves? What is meant when Tatar says she "cries out for disenchantment"?

He says that she preserves the traditional views of femininity such as passivity and beauty but she longs to be able to do things on her own rather than rely on others. Shows that in a death like state she can keep her beauty.

What info does Zipes present about fairy tales in their earliest form, as oral folktales?

He says that they help to serve a meaningful social function and help to reveal the gaps between the truth and falsehood in our society while as folktales are passed down through tradition

What is the explicit message of the Cinderella tale from the 19th century onward?

It emphasizes that being kind always get rewarded or worshipped which can be demonstrated by Cinderellas story of being treated very poorly to becoming royalty. It also shows the basic belief that woman need men to be happy and get places in life.

What assumptions does Delaney make about the grandmother?

It is assumed that the grandmother who lives alone in a forest inhabited by wolves is likely to be frightened and suspicious.

What is the death of Cinderella's mother said to represent? Why?

It is said that the death of Cinderella's mother is symbolizing her entry into a higher state of maturation an having to learn to depend on herself and not just her mother to get her through tough times.

What does Bottigheimer say was the Grimms' main purpose behind Kinder- und Hausmarchen?

It is said that the main purpose behind Grimms version is to bring German culture and values into the tales and be able to represent the culture

What does Arnds say about the attention paid to the "absent mother" in fairy tales? How does he say Little Red Riding Hood's mother remains a part of the story?

It is said that there is less attention paid to the absent mother most likely because she is absent, and we do not hear much about her. Even though Little Red Riding Hoods mom is absent after the warning in Grimm's story she can still be found in the wolf, red cap, and the grandmother. The wolf is considered a catalyst in the tale which brings the three women together.

Panttaja says the "anxiety" of the tale lies in what?

It lies in the possibility that the prince might marry one of these women, that class distinctions, here represented as inborn character traits, could be blurred or erased.

Why does he says LRRH's nickname "takes on an ominous tone"?

It should send chills down the spines of the children listening to the tale. It is the password to get into the grandmother's house

What distinguished the "conte de fee" from other types of tales?

It was a French book of fairytales and is more imaginative than realistic

Who was the original intended audience for the literary fairy tale? Why?

It was originally intended for adults and children but more for the adults because they could understand it better

What objections could be made against the ideas Delaney presents here?

Objections towards themes of power, gender roles, morality and the implications of the story's ending

What roles (according to Laura Mulvey) do men and women play in "the visual economy of the 20th century-cinema" play? How/why does "Sleeping Beauty" support this idea?

Laura describes the women as objects of desire for the men who need saving and the men are the ones possessing all the power and saving them. We can see this in Sleeping Beauty because the princess is extremely passive and her fate lies in the hands of the male in the story or the prince.

Why/how did the literary fairy tales "exclude" the majority of people

Literacy fairy tales excluded those who could not read

In what way does each of the three female characters imply there is an "implicit" witch present in her?

Little red Riding Hood exhibits transformation and power which aligns her with the witch's ability to change and exert control over narrative. The mother represents the witch in her domestic sphere and control over LRRH and guiding her. The grandmother embodies the wisdom and latent power associated with the "wise woman" or the witch.

Despite their differences, Panttaja says the Freudian and Jungian readings/positions "privilege" what? How is paternal power different from maternal power?

Panttaja says it "privilege" the role of the unconscious in shaping human experience and behavior. Paternal power is often associated with authority, structure, and protection, embodying a more dominant force while maternal power emphasizes nurturing, emotional support, and relational connection which often foresees growth.

What does Panttaja say is the most repressed, forgotten element of the Cinderella plot?

Panttaja says that the most repressed element in of the Cinderella plot is the mother/daughter plot.

What is paradoxical about the Sleeping Beauty image Perrault presents in his version of the tale? How does Sleeping Beauty combine these contradictions?

Perrault depicts Sleeping Beauty as a figure of femininity and a victim of circumstances. In some ways Sleeping Beauty is embodying beauty and gentleness and in other ways she is shown by vulnerability. She combines both these contradictions because together she is showing the typical view of feminine beauty and their vulnerability and rely on men.

In slowing down and extending the time frame of his story, Perrault succeeds in emphasizing the power of what? How/why is this such an important aspect of the fairy tale genre?

Perrault succeeds in emphasizing Sleeping Beauty and her beauty that attracts the prince as she is in a deep slumber. This is an important aspect because it depicts the focus of feminine beauty and their reliance for saving by men.

Delaney says that the LRRH tale has inevitably become a vehicle for what?

She says that LRRH has become a vehicle for imparting sexual ethics in keeping with the social fabric of the times.

Why is Cinderella's birth mother a "paradoxical figure"?

She is a paradoxical figure because her power is associated at the outset with the power of the Christian God and she seems to instruct Cinderella in the value of long suffering sacrifice but she is also a wily competitor. She plots schemes and wins.

What is the intergenerational conflict that Yvonne Verdier (referenced in the article) says is present in the story? What message/,moral is connected to this conflict?

She said the conflict demonstrates that Red Cap's mother is struggling with the fact that her daughter is of an age in which she will soon replace her as a child bearer. The moral is grandmothers will be eaten which supports mothers will be replaced by their daughters.

In what way does the Queen's attempt to kill Snow White "backfire"? What does Snow White essentially become?

The Queen's attempt to kill Snow White backfires because each time she tries to kill Snow White she ends up surviving and because of this Snow White becomes a symbol of purity and innocence.

According to Critic Max Luthi (referenced in the article), "Sleeping Beauty" is "fundamentally a story" about what? How do the main female and male characters support this idea?

The Sleeping beauty story is about death and resurrection which can be shown by the princess and how she is cursed to die when she touches the spinning wheel but due to a prince and his arrival or kiss she is brought back to life or awoken.

What impact does Bottigheimer say the inclusion of animal helpers has had on the character of Cinderella?

The animal helpers are used to help show the kindness and nurture and her connection to nature

What does Tatar say is especially interesting and remarkable about artist Burne-Jones' artistic renderings of the "Sleeping Beauty" story? What effect does it have on the person looking at the painting?

The artist can capture sleeping beauty's vulnerability at the same time as showing her sense of grace. They do a good job at capturing the beauty and danger of the princess in this painting. The viewer of he painting can Invision what happens when you are to passive. He puts distance between the prince and the princess

What are some of the reasons Arnds gives to suggest that LRRH's mother might not really care for her daughter? Do you think these are valid? Why or why not?

The author suggests that the mother might actually be the stepmother due to the lack of love shown for her daughter. In the tale we can tell that the grandmother loves her granddaughter and possibly more than the own mother which brings the question whether she is the biological mother or stepmother. The mothers warning told her not to leave the path so she will not break the wine bottle if she trips which strikes question whether the mother really loved her daughter. I think that these are not valid because I think it does not really show a lack of love and concern throughout their lives but rather a worry to get there safely to the granny's house.

Why/how does the "magical power of the mother" emerge throughout the story? What does the happy ending of the story prove, according to Panttaja?

The magical power of the mother emerges throughout the story as a symbol of nurturing, transformation, and the unconscious connections between characters. The happy ending of the story proves that it is the mother who has been the power of the story and she is the reason for Cinderella's success.

What is the main moral to Basile's version of the Cinderella tale?

The main message or moral of this story is to show the being resilient and clever can lead to justice and you do not need someone's help to get the justice you want.

How/why does the wolf adopt "motherly features"? What are the consequences of his doing this?

The moment the mother absents herself the wolf appears on the doorstep pretending to be the mother. The purpose for the camouflage and devouring the children the wolf adopts motherly features, transcending gender boundaries. In becoming cross dressers the wolves exploit the mothers absence and reinforce their links with the maternal principle.

What is the only way for Snow White to escape this second glass coffin? Why is this problematic for Snow White and female writers at large?

The only way for Snow White to be able to escape the second glass coffin is if she marries the prince. The problem with this for Snow White as well as female writers is it reinforces the idea that woman's value and freedom are only realized through male validation.

What does Tatar mean when she says, "...two words are all it takes"? What point is she making about Sleeping Beauty as a character?

The point that she is making about the Sleeping Beauty as a character is that she is extremely passive and relies completely on others to help her.

In what ways are the Queen and Snow White drastically different? What two archetypes do these two characters seem to exemplify? Which of the women does Gilbert and Gubar seem to prefer and why?

The queen is driven by jealousy and a desire for power. She focuses on being the fairest of them all and will do what it takes to become that. Snow White on the other hand is kind, innocent, and passive. She is very pure, sweet and gentle as well as beautiful. The queen embodies the evil or wicked stepmother and represents the danger of jealousy and obsession of beauty and power. Snow White embodies the innocent maiden or damsel and is very passive, pure and shows a figure of innocence and purity which embodies the idealized femininity. Gilbert and Gubar prefer Snow White because although she might be passive she embodies a much purer and less destructive version or form of femininity than the Queen.

What could LRRH's rescue from the wolf represent?

The rescue can be seen as a moment of transformation and reflects the delicate balance between growth, survival and the interplay of innocence.

What is the "superficial moral of the story"? What is the actual truth of Cinderella's triumph?

The superficial moral of the story would have us believe that Cinderella's triumph at the ball is a reward for her long suffering patience. In reality Cinderella's triumph at the ball has to do with her loyalty to her dead mother and a string of subversive acts.

Why are the Queen's three murder plots and the disguises she uses important? They all rely on what? Why are these plans paradoxical for the Queen?

The three murder plots are important because they all rely on manipulation of the female identity and the queen uses disguises to be able to transform herself into a harmless and feminine figure. These plans are paradoxical for the Queen because while attempting to destroy or kill Snow White she reveals her fear of aging and lose of beauty which exposes her insecurities.

What does Bottigheimer say are the two resulting morals of Perrault's version of the Cinderella tale?

Two morals of the story are about kindness and patience and presenting a more moralistic approach to the narrative

What does Woods say is the fairy tale's main statement about reality?

Woods says that the fairy tale's main statement about reality is the most important part is journey and how you get there and that the man's inner worth is like the hero's

What are some of the ways in which Perrault's "Cendrillon" differs from Basile's Zezolla?

Zezolla is more independent and clever, she actively seeks different ways to try and solve her problem without the help of others while Cendrillon is more reliant on others to help her solve her problem

What does Zipes say Disney used to "cast a spell on the fairy tale"?

Zipes said that Disney did not use any demonic wording and took away the purpose of the original fairytales