“The Fairy-Tale Hero: The Image of Man in the Fairy Tale” by Maria Tatar
Summarized by Patrick Lucas
Maria Tatar believes that the image of a man in fairy tales undermines the patriarchal society we live in. The classic European fairy tale shows a young woman as the main protagonist of the stories. She normally has at least somewhat of a personality. Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella, all show the same simple ideology of a young woman protagonist. The main male character (normally some sort of prince) is shown as valorous and heroic but portrayed as a brain dead male. This is a very strange concept considering most other stories written in this era feature the exact opposite occurrence.
Since children are most receptive to fairy tales during their younger years, they are taught to think like this. The image of the difference between man and woman is etched into their mind through this. Also the idea that you can easily change your social class is taught as well. In a fairy tale the main theme is anything is possible and children believe it.
Today, people do not enjoy a classic hero as much as they used to. Ever since the naturalism movement, the individual takes the spotlight. However, this can be looked at in fairy tales as well. The passive hero has help come to him/her. This sort of character is much more dynamic. If a passive hero is helpless in the beginning of the story, they might change into a strong hero in order to fight the evil or whatever predicament is happening in the story.
In conclusion, fairy tales have attempted to undermine the patriarchal society we live in. Whether this is on purpose or not, it has laid the foundation for most all modern children’s tales and even adult fiction as well.
Since children are most receptive to fairy tales during their younger years, they are taught to think like this. The image of the difference between man and woman is etched into their mind through this. Also the idea that you can easily change your social class is taught as well. In a fairy tale the main theme is anything is possible and children believe it.
Today, people do not enjoy a classic hero as much as they used to. Ever since the naturalism movement, the individual takes the spotlight. However, this can be looked at in fairy tales as well. The passive hero has help come to him/her. This sort of character is much more dynamic. If a passive hero is helpless in the beginning of the story, they might change into a strong hero in order to fight the evil or whatever predicament is happening in the story.
In conclusion, fairy tales have attempted to undermine the patriarchal society we live in. Whether this is on purpose or not, it has laid the foundation for most all modern children’s tales and even adult fiction as well.
Work Cited
Tatar M. The Classic Fairy Tales. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.; 1999. Print
Tatar M. The Classic Fairy Tales. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.; 1999. Print