Fairy tales have been a beloved form of storytelling for centuries, with many different versions and interpretations existing in various cultures around the world. Despite their widespread popularity, however, there are significant differences in the ways that different versions of these tales are told and the themes and messages they convey. In this essay, we will compare and contrast two well-known fairy tales to explore these differences and consider the impact they have on their audiences.
One well-known fairy tale that has undergone significant changes over time is "Cinderella." In its original form, the story of Cinderella was a French folktale that was recorded by Charles Perrault in the late 17th century. In Perrault's version of the story, Cinderella is a downtrodden young woman who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. Despite her difficult circumstances, she is able to attend a royal ball thanks to the intervention of her fairy godmother, who transforms her rags into a beautiful gown and carriage. At the ball, Cinderella captivates the prince, who searches for her when she leaves at the stroke of midnight. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella is able to escape the prince's grasp and return to her home, leaving behind only her glass slipper as a clue to her identity. Eventually, the prince is able to find Cinderella and marry her, and they live happily ever after.
While Perrault's version of "Cinderella" has remained popular over the years, it has also been subject to numerous retellings and adaptations. One well-known retelling of the story is the 1950 Disney animated film, "Cinderella." In this version, the story is largely the same, but some elements have been altered or removed. For example, the fairy godmother is given more of a prominent role and is depicted as a maternal figure who helps Cinderella overcome her difficulties. Additionally, the prince is given more depth and personality, and his pursuit of Cinderella is depicted as a romantic and chivalrous gesture rather than a desperate search for a lost woman.
Despite these differences, both versions of "Cinderella" convey similar themes and messages. Both stories emphasize the importance of perseverance and the power of kindness and inner beauty. They also portray the triumph of good over evil and the transformative power of love. However, the Disney version of the story is more overtly romantic and sentimental, with a greater focus on the love story between Cinderella and the prince. This version also includes more overt moral lessons, such as the importance of forgiveness and the dangers of vanity.
Another well-known fairy tale that has undergone significant changes over time is "Snow White." Like "Cinderella," "Snow White" is a story that has been told and retold numerous times, with different versions appearing in various cultures around the world. In its original form, "Snow White" was a German fairy tale that was recorded by the Brothers Grimm in the early 19th century. In this version of the story, Snow White is a young princess who is beloved by all who meet her, including the seven dwarves who take her in after she is driven out of her kingdom by her evil stepmother, the queen. Despite the queen's efforts to kill Snow White, the princess is able to survive thanks to the intervention of the dwarves, who protect her and eventually help her reclaim her kingdom.
Like "Cinderella," "Snow White" has been subject to numerous retellings and adaptations over the years. One well-known version of the story is the 1937 Disney animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." In this version of the story, Snow White is depicted as a more active and assertive character, who is able to escape the queen's
