Comparing the Themes of Love and Marriage in Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Basis of Comparison

Compare and contrast the themes of love and marriage in a traditional fairy tale and its modern version. (select either Sleeping Beauty or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)

You are expected to focus on the major themes of Love and Marriage in one of the two fairy tales, either Sleeping Beauty or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, comparing the traditional and the modern versions of one of these fairy tales. Based on what standards do the princes in both tradtional versions fall in love with the protagonist? Is the concept of love the same in the modern version? What do males seek in their partner in marriage? Do these standards change in the modern version? Are wealth, status, and beauty determining criteria in the prospective spouse? Is marriage the ultimate goal for females in traditional and modern fairy tales?

You need to look into the fairy tale you will select and probe into the differences between the old and the new version with respect to the themes of love and marriage.

These are just brainstorming questions and are by no means an outline of your paper. You are expected to show some creativity and some originality of approach to your primary sources. You are also expected to refer to critics’ views on the topic.

When planning your essay, it is highly recommended to first identify the basis for the comparison. It allows you to look for the similarities and differences between the concept of love and marriage in the old and the modern versions of the fairy tales. You also need to develop a list of similarities and differences. Use this list, along with your observations, to construct a thesis statement and an outline for your comparative essay, and then select incidents from the fairy tales to support your major points of discussion.

A thesis statement and a proper logical presentation of ideas are essential.

Analyze Alfred Noyes’ poem “The Highwayman”, in terms of form and content, focusing on the theme of love and marriage.

You are expected to focus on the themes of love and marriage through the poem. Your analysis of these themes should be addressed through the form and the content. How does the poet celebrate true love? What are the poetic devices used to depict the faiththfulness of the lovers? How does jealousy affect Bess and the Highwayman’s love? Does the couple’s love die with them? How does Noyes express the immortality of love?

1. Plan your essay ahead of time by writing a plan highlighting the main points you intend to cover.
2. Write a thesis statement stating your argument to be included on the first page of your essay.
3. Select a few scenes/verses that relate to your argument. State what they tell us, and add your own comments and interpretation. You need to analyse the text/poem rather than simply describe it.
4. Make sure your essay refers to some quotations from the fairy tale.
5. Your analytical comments should precede or follow every time you quote from the text/poem under discussion.
6. At this stage, you are expected to know how to paraphrase and synthesize the material you read, using your own words as much as possible. You still have to quote and use quotation marks in the right annotation methods you have learned.
7. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact your tutor.

Students are requested to visit the e-library on campus and use it to write a proper TMA. They are also requested to show their tutor that they used the e-library for the TMA by referring to some articles they have read. Students who use and refer to material from the e-library will subsequently gain marks.