The following journal articles look at the deconstruction of fairy tales and their authors, focusing on different elements and retellings of the stories.
They have been chosen based on their content, and author as all of the authors below are experts the field and have published many books and journals on the subject in its various forms.
Use search strings like “Fairy tales AND Elements” or “Fairy tales AND Deconstruction” to get the most out of your searches.
More resources can be found on the library’s catalogue as well.
Vanessa Joosen
This resource looks at different feminist criticisms of “Snow White”, and “My Step mother, myself” from Andrea Dworkin, Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar.
Joosen, V. (2004). Feminist criticism and the fairy tale. New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship, 10(1), 5-14. doi:10.1080/1361454042000294069
This resource looks at the difference between magic and realism in fairy tales focusing on the relationship between Snow White and her Stepmother.
Joosen, V. (2007). Disenchanting the Fairy Tale: Retellings of “Snow White” between Magic and Realism. Marvels & Tales, 21(2), 228–239.https://tinyurl.com/y5kt9pyf
Perry Nodelman
This resource talks about how we can find the hidden meaning in fairy tales, by deconstructing them.
Nodelman, P. (1990). The Hidden Meaning and the Inner Tale: Deconstruction and the Interpretation of Fairy Tales. Children’s Literature Association Quarterly 15(3), 143-148. doi:10.1353/chq.0.0858.
Nuran Ahmed Sadun Elsayyad
This resource looks at the symbolism in Cinderella through its various contemporary adaptions.
Sadun Elsayyad, N A (2017). Juggling Symbolism in Deconstructing the Contemporary Fairy Tale: The Case of “Cinderella”. Egyptian Journals, 5(2017), 1-23. doi:10.21608/jssa.2017.11200
LelandG Spencer
This resource looks at transgender identity in The Little Mermaid, and how social constructs can be inferred from stories to have personal meaning.
Spencer, L. (2014). Performing Transgender Identity in The Little Mermaid : From Andersen to Disney. Communication Studies, 65(1), 112-127. doi:10.1080/10510974.2013.832691
Marina Warner
This resource looks at the story of Rapunzel in its different versions, analysing themes of motherhood, ageing and freedom.
Marina, W. (2010). After “Rapunzel”. Marvels & tales, 24(2), 329-335. https://primo.csu.edu.au/permalink/61CSU_INST/15aovd3/cdi_gale_lrcgauss_A241862731
Jack Zipes
This resource looks at how storytelling can have a strong impact on society, and how we can use it to positively change our lives.
Jack, Z. (2017). Once Upon a Time: Changing the World through Storytelling. Storytelling, self, society, 13(1), 33-53. doi:10.13110/storselfsoci.13.1.0033
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