Feminist Analysis?

Question

1 )Analyze 3 fairy tales, namely, Cinderrella, Snowwhite and the last person Sleeping Beauty from a feminist perspective to see
a. How femininity and women are portrayed and
b. How these common fairy tales reproduce patriarchal views.

2) Provide a brief feminist analysis of the story "SHELTER"

Thanks everyone 4 saving my life today......

Answer 1

a) Think of the characters in the stories. They all include two kinds of women - the "good" main characters and the "evil" stepmothers/sisters. So women fall into two categories, good and bad (very simplistic view of women).

Then think about the characteristics given to each. The evil ones are all living without men, actively involved in community life, and have power, which they use for their evil hold over the good character. They are also all portrayed as physically unattractive. Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, on the other hand, are all described as physically beautiful, passive (being pushed around by others and waiting for their rescuers) and sought after by men. All three are rescued by their female-dominated lives by a prince who, rather than providing them with opportunities, promised them riches.

b) These fairy tales encourage patriarchal views by 1) making men think that it is their role in life to rescue women, especially beautiful ones, 2) pitting women against one another, 3) making women think that life would just be wonderful if a man would rescue them, rather than trying to make something of themselves.

I can't help you with 2), because I'm unfamiliar with the story.