How To Update A Fairy Tale

How To Update A Fairy Tale; 

Fairy tales are as relevant today as they were when they were first told. They are constantly being retold, both on screen and in writing. Modern, or updated, versions appear all the time. Angela Carter’s ‘The Bloody Chamber, and other stories’ is a perfect example of the different types of retold fairy tales that appear. Some stories simply allude to the original fairy tale (in the first story, there is a statue of ‘The Little Mermaid’, some are direct retellings, such as ‘The Company of Wolves’, and some are more modern versions, such as ‘The Courtship of Mr Lyon’. Often, writers attempt to translate the original fairy tale directly into the present, but the change in social conventions and the development of new technology necessitates some work to make sure the new version isn’t laughable. I’ve come up with some key things that need to be changed for a modern fairy tale to work.

Modern Story, Modern Heroine

The role of women in society has changed an awful lot since the times of Han Christian Anderson and the Grimm brothers. Snow White may be lovely both in looks and character, but she is utterly helpless. She is content to just sit and wait to be rescued, first by the dwarves and then by a handsome prince (who she has no qualms about marrying after only meeting him once). Will this appeal to a modern reader? Not a chance. A modern heroine is independent and thinks for herself, and while she might need rescuing she’ll certainly make an attempt on her own account. There’s really no need for her to be the most beautiful women in the world, either; a modern women might appreciate a heroine she can empathise with. 

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Love at first sight? No thanks.

Less is More.