Transformative narratives: resisting and reinforcing patriarchy in reimagined fairy tales

Abstract

Traditional fairy tales, myths, and legends have been reimagined as a way to resist patriarchy; however, tale adaptations can also reinforce patriarchal beliefs even as they try to subvert them, demonstrating a complexity that is often overlooked. This thesis seeks to examine the nuanced dynamics of gender, power, and narrative innovation in reimagined fairy tales, focusing on how these stories engage with and challenge traditional gender binaries. Through a comparative analysis of folklorist Joseph Jacobs’ “The Swan Maidens” and psychologist Sharon Blackie’s “The Selkie’s New Skin,” among other stories, the study reveals how storytellers reinterpret traditional elements to convey new meanings and shift the narrative focus, transforming the tales in the process. Blackie’s work in particular offers insights into the intersection of fairy tales and the self-help genre, underscoring the power of audience agency when interpreting story meaning and integrating it into their lives. The thesis concludes with a queer re-reading of Blackie’s “Wolfskin,” exploring the transformative potential of shapeshifting figures through a transbiological lens, which challenges conventional gender binaries and invites new ways of thinking about identity and belonging.