Abstract
In this study, I use content analysis to look at changes that have occurred over time in a selection of fairy tales. The tales I use for this study are "Cinderella," "Snow White," "Hansel and Gretel," "Rapunzel," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Rumpelstiltskin." In Chapter I, I define "folklore" and "fairy tale." Then I look at the Grimms' background and their collection of the fairy tales during the 19th century. I discuss their background, and motivations that they had to collect fairy tales. Then I look at controversy surrounding the Grimms' methods. In Chapter II, I discuss rationalism, psychoanalysis, Marxism, functionalism, feminist theory, and structuralism, which have all been applied to fairy tales in many sources. In Chapter III, I discuss content analysis, and the categories that I created in order to conduct the analysis. The categories are based on oppositions that were repeated in all of the stories. In Chapter IV, I discuss the data that was presented in the previous chapter. In my discussion, I apply the theories discussed in Chapter II to the three versions of the stories. I look at historical aspects in the different time periods. For example, I look at changes in ideology, ideal types, and morals. What I find is that the categories are present in all of the versions. However, the importance of the categories, like beauty and wealth, have changed over time.
Advisor
Kardulias, Nick
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Grimwood, Karen, "The Changing Meanings of Fairy Tales" (1999). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5691.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/5691
Publication Date
1999
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1999 Karen Grimwood