A Literary and Multi-Medial Analysis of Selected Fairy Tales and Adaptations

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Fairy Tale

Origins and Definition

Characteristics

How Fairy Tales Echo throughout the World

The Adaptation

Adapting Literature

Adapting Fairy Tales

Adapting from different Media

Adapting to different Media

Adapting to the Screen

Disney and the re-invented Fairy Tale

Illustrative Adaptations

Rapunzel

A Bed of Greens

Maiden(s) in the Tower

Rapunzel’s early years – and no man in sight

A Fateful Slip of the Tongue

The Duality of all Things

Contemporary Adaptations

Tangled (Nathan Greno, Byron Howard 2010)

Little Red Riding Hood

Spinning the Tale from Myths

Literary Variations & Pre-stories

The Grandmother’s Tale – finding the strength within

Perrault’s Le Petit Chaperon Rouge – sharing the hunger

The Grimm’s Little Red Cap – change awaits

Cultural backgrounds

The wolf - father – seducer and protector

The two mothers – an (un)conscious battle

Contemporary Adaptations

Literary Adaptations

Angela Carter

Cinematic Adaptations

The Company of Wolves (Neil Jordan 1984)

Red Riding Hood (Catherine Hardwicke 2011)

Conclusion

Objectives & Research Topics

This master thesis investigates how contemporary adaptations of classic fairy tales contribute to the genre's ongoing relevance and survival within collective memory. The primary research question addresses whether modern, multi-medial reinterpretations of stories like Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood enrich the traditional storytelling heritage or merely function as derivative products.

• The evolution of fairy tales from oral traditions to diverse modern media.
• The theoretical framework of adaptation, expropriation, and cultural appropriation.
• Comparative analysis of literary and cinematic versions of Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood.
• The role of the 'wolf' figure and mother-daughter conflicts as recurring archetypes.
• The impact of Disney and contemporary cinema on the perception and visualization of classic tales.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: The author outlines the thesis that contemporary adaptations are vital for the survival and continued evolution of traditional fairy tales within modern culture.

The Fairy Tale: This chapter establishes a theoretical foundation by discussing the origins, definitions, and defining characteristics of the fairy tale genre across different cultures and eras.

The Adaptation: This section explores the mechanics of transforming literary texts into new media, focusing on the tension between original fidelity and modern creative interpretation.

Rapunzel: This chapter provides a detailed analysis of various Rapunzel adaptations, examining themes of maturation, mother-daughter dynamics, and the significance of the tower as a symbol.

Little Red Riding Hood: The chapter explores the evolution of this tale, investigating the archetype of the wolf and how different versions address sexual awareness and female maturation.

Conclusion: The author reflects on the symbiosis between film and literature, arguing that modern media successfully keep the fairy tale tradition alive and relevant for new generations.

Keywords

Fairy Tales, Adaptation, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinematic Representation, Collective Memory, Archetypes, Oral Tradition, Folklore, Angela Carter, Disney, Transformation, Symbolism, Narrative Evolution, Psychoanalysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The work examines how contemporary film and literary adaptations of classic fairy tales engage with their source material to preserve and evolve the tradition of storytelling.

Which specific tales are analyzed in detail?

The study focuses extensively on the tales of Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood, comparing their classic written versions with various modern, particularly cinematic, interpretations.

What is the primary objective of the research?

The objective is to argue that modern adaptations do not diminish the original fairy tales but rather contribute positively to their continued survival in the collective memory of society.

Which theoretical and scientific methods are applied?

The author employs a literary analysis approach, drawing on structuralist and psychoanalytical theories, as well as adaptation studies to examine the "horizontal" relationships between literature and film.

What themes are central to the analysis of Rapunzel?

Central themes include the maiden’s transition to maturity, the symbolic power of hair, the duality of mother-daughter figures, and the transition from childhood to womanhood.

What is the role of the wolf in the analysis of Little Red Riding Hood?

The wolf is interpreted not just as an animal antagonist, but as a multi-layered archetype representing male seduction, patriarchal danger, or a symbol for the protagonist's own burgeoning sexuality.

How does the author view the Disney adaptations of these tales?

The author recognizes Disney's significant role in reshaping fairy tales for modern audiences, often critiquing their simplification while acknowledging their effectiveness in restoring these stories to popular culture.

What conclusion does the author reach regarding the "rivalry" between film and literature?

The author concludes that literature and film are in an essential symbiotic relationship, where film acts as a new dimension of storytelling that can revitalize the literary source material.