Today in FTVNM class we watched Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty'.
We took an insight into Disney and how they use gender roles in portraying fairytale archetypes.
Aurora and Prince Phillip:
Aurora has all the characteristics that a very archetypical fairytale princess has. She has a pretty face and has a beautiful voice. It wasn't intelligence or bravery that was given to her as if it were an important female trait. Instead she was blessed with what is what society has defined as attractive.
Aurora was the perfect example of "women should be seen and not heard". She was the character with the least lines in the entire film. She was also very polite and quiet in a lot of scenes.
Aurora: "Oh, I can't talk to strangers, but come to my house later." (This line is polite yet submissive)
Reinforcing the male-dominant society, when Aurora and the Prince first meet, it is the Prince that choses to dance with Aurora without her knowing. This signifies how it is the male's decision as to which woman he would like to marry, not vice versa.
There is no personality or depth into characterisation in Aurora or Prince Phillip.
The fairies are behind all of the manly acts of Prince Phillip which reinforces the idea of women doing everything for men.
Prince Phillips Dad:
Has to be in control
Sloppy messy when eating
Typical clumsy lazy King
Main (Pink) Fairy:
Has a feminine stance all the time.
Loves the colour pink
NOT having a lot of depth in a character leaves room for interpretation for the audience.
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