Exploring the Portrayal of Gender Roles in Fairy Tales: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Modern Retellings

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis delves into the portrayal of gender roles in fairy tales through a comparative analysis of traditional and modern retellings. Fairy tales have long been recognized as influential cultural artifacts that reflect and shape societal norms, including perceptions of gender. The study examines how gender roles are depicted in traditional fairy tales and how these representations have evolved in modern retellings. By comparing and contrasting selected traditional fairy tales with contemporary adaptations, this research aims to shed light on the ways in which gender roles are constructed, challenged, and reimagined in these narratives. The introduction provides an overview of the significance of fairy tales in shaping cultural perceptions of gender and sets the stage for the comparative analysis that follows. The background of the study traces the historical evolution of fairy tales and their role in perpetuating traditional gender norms. The problem statement highlights the need to critically assess the portrayal of gender roles in fairy tales, considering the impact of these narratives on individuals and society as a whole. The objectives of the study are to analyze the representation of gender roles in traditional fairy tales, identify changes in gender portrayals in modern retellings, and explore the implications of these depictions on contemporary audiences. The limitations of the study acknowledge the constraints of analyzing a vast body of fairy tales and the subjective nature of interpreting gender roles in literature. The scope of the study focuses on selected traditional fairy tales and their modern adaptations to provide a nuanced understanding of shifting gender dynamics. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the ongoing discourse on gender representation in literature and popular culture. By examining how gender roles are depicted in fairy tales across different time periods, this research offers insights into the ways in which societal attitudes towards gender have evolved. The structure of the thesis is outlined to guide readers through the comparative analysis of traditional and modern fairy tales, emphasizing the thematic continuity and divergence in gender portrayals. The literature review explores existing scholarship on gender roles in fairy tales, highlighting key themes and theoretical frameworks that inform the comparative analysis. Drawing on a range of critical perspectives, this section contextualizes the study within the broader field of gender studies and literary analysis. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken in selecting and analyzing traditional and modern fairy tales, including the criteria for comparison and the methods used to interpret gender representations. The discussion of findings chapter presents a detailed analysis of how gender roles are depicted in selected traditional and modern fairy tales. By examining specific characters, plot dynamics, and narrative themes, this section illuminates the ways in which gender norms are reinforced, subverted, or reimagined in these stories. The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study and reflects on the implications of the comparative analysis for understanding the evolving nature of gender roles in literature and society. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the ongoing dialogue on gender representation in fairy tales by offering a nuanced examination of how traditional and modern narratives shape perceptions of gender roles. Through a comparative analysis of selected fairy tales, this research underscores the fluidity and complexity of gender dynamics in storytelling, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring power of these narratives to influence cultural attitudes towards gender.