Hi Everyone!
October is moving along and we're halfway through the month already. I say it often, but I can't help it. It seems like time goes a lot faster the older I get than it did when I was younger. Reminds me of a Clint Black song, "Slow As Christmas", but I think it illustrates other passages of time, too.
Anyway, this post isn't going to be an update post, but rather something I was thinking about recently. I might do an update post before the end of the month--I don't know, yet. But I do try to post a blog post at least once a month, so here we go.
I'm feeling a little philosophical (I guess that's the effect of having watched a video that was giving more explanation and nuance to a scene in a musical that I hadn't noticed/realized--not too surprising since I can be oblivious--before; and yes, I like em dashes!) So, I want to propose ideas that may or may not resonate with people, but stuff I've thought about:
Some people have criticized Cinderella, Snow White, and the classical stories. They say that the heroines had no agency (or not enough agency) or that they're seen as flimsy, wispy creatures just waiting around for the prince to rescue them.
Well, I beg to differ.
Let's start with Cinderella, shall we? (since I've thought the most about this character--that is, Cinderella herself--regarding my theory). I don't see her as weak, or without agency, or whatever else people put forward as a negative attribute of hers. In the estimated time period that her story takes place (going way back to Grimm Brothers, but let's face it, theirs is not the story we're all most familiar with, or one I even prefer because the concept of chopping up one's feet like the stepsisters do is just shudder-inducing to me, so we won't focus on that, but the general concept of the story). A young girl in a time period where girls had very few options if their fathers/protectors died or were unable to provide for them, we see Cinderella left at the mercy of a stepmother who hates her either because she's jealous and/or she doesn't want anyone getting in the way of her ambitions for her daughters. We see the stepsisters following their mother's lead and confining Cinderella to the role of servant (or rather, I'd say slave) to sleep in the ashes. But according to the most well-known versions of the story, Cinderella doesn't turn bitter, spiteful, or vengeful. Instead, she maintains her gentle spirit, kindness, and hope that somehow her fortunes can/will change. I don't see her and the prince as necessarily just "insta-love" but as recognizing in the other something they lack--for Cinderella the prince represents/is a kind and charming person who will respect and care for her as her stepfamily has failed to do, someone she can be an equal partner with in life, someone who cherishes her. The prince sees Cinderella as someone he hopes he would have--not just a fawning creature, but an ideal for him to aspire to--something to inspire him to greatness. So, Cinderella rises above the mire and temptations that would've led her to revenge and ill-will--if she followed those temptations--to be inspiration to another and have someone whom she can love, respect, and honor as well. They're equals no matter the status quo.
Snow White is a story that could have multiple meanings or ideas--ranging from innocence to waking into adulthood, etc. However, despite the surface appearance of a "passive" heroine, let's take a deeper look into her circumstances and time period. Snow While has no where to go when her father passes and the Evil Queen takes over. Where could she go? Perhaps townsfolk would take her in--but they likely wouldn't because they would be afraid to defy the queen. Or maybe they don't know what's going on in the castle, and Snow White in her tenderness and innocence doesn't want to burden her people with her troubles. And instead of turning on the woman, Snow White gently accepts her lot despite how horrible her stepmother is to her. She maintains her grace, dignity, and hope. And bravery. For in the midst of almost being killed, she manages to get through the forest, and find a place. While this place houses rough miners (dwarves), who could present a problem, they see in Snow White a girl who needs protecting--enlivening their sense of purpose beyond just their day job. She inspires them to be more than just what their life has given them (mining) to be there for someone most in need. Her being poisoned could be seen as an opportunity for a man to forget his own selfishness to rescue someone and dedicate his life to someone in need. Or, in the case of the Disney version where in some ways the palace in the clouds looks a lot like them going to Heaven--in that instance, the prince could be her Guardian Angel bringing her to her final reward for her patience and kindness in spite of her circumstances. A reward for her integrity, if you will.
These are just two fairytales, but I could probably find a brighter/happier meaning in most of them. Perhaps some might find it wishful thinking or believe I'm naive or whatever, but that's okay. I'd rather look at them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Growing up, I always thought the concept of the prince rescuing the princess as beautiful and sweet. A man realizing that someone special in his life needs him. She gives him purpose and strength to be the protector and defender of those under his protection/purview--making him see he's more than just a prince, or a man, he is someone who has a duty a real purpose--an admirable goal of being the best version of himself. He must rise above his own selfish desires, for something more beautiful and far more valuable than his mere station in life. It's a call to action--the "willing the best good of another" (a definition of love that I strive to follow). Many guys I've known in my life have longed for (even if they didn't say so or know this consciously) this type of a purpose--to be more than just "some guy", but to have meaning in their lives. For many of them, to have a special woman whom they could aspire to be a hero to.
Anyway, it's just something to consider/think about. You, dear readers, are free to reject my suppositions/theories; however, I prefer to look at fairytales through these lenses. I like to believe it's something wonderful and beautiful--or, for those who believe in God, striving towards what is above.
I hope your October is going well so far. God bless you! Have a Fabulously Fun Friday!
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