Fairytales have been passed down through the ages, originating from the old oral Folk tales. These ancient stories entertained the masses and often taught children morals and how to act and think. But in today’s society many of these lessons are being questioned. Maybe their influences are harmless, but embedded in the story are some dangerous and damaging stereotypes. It is tradition for these Fairytales to portray women in rather a negative light. It is typical in a Fairytale for the passive heroine

“Women who are powerful and good are never human; those women who are human, and have power or seek it, are nearly always portrayed as repulsive.”

to reap the reward of the handsome prince by endearing through pain and suffering, while omen who are assertive and strong in either the mental or physical capacity are shunned.

It is this beauty that they use to enchant the heart of their Prince Charming allowing him therefore to take his place as their hero and rescuer. This is how beauty becomes the central focus of the female role. We often damn the media for promoting unrealistic views of women, yet we openly embrace the view in the context of fairytales. Through both mediums it is being said that a woman’s beauty is her only virtue. This is best seen in The Ugly Duckling. The youngest duckling is teased for being so ugly and is excluded by his siblings. His performance level in activities is poor compared to his fellow ducklings. It is only when it emerges as a beautiful swan that it feels it has any worth and is then proud and confident.

Some topics in this essay:
Ruth Bottigheimer, Beauty Beast, Hansel Gretel, Princess Fiona, , Naomi Wolf, Gretel Hansel, Beauty Rapunzel, Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty, beauty beast, handsome prince, view women, prince charming, sleeping beauty, hansel gretel, women negative light, women negative, fairytales promote, women disney, women beautiful, view women disney,