As I read Grimm’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, there were many things that struck me. Primarily, how unrealistic many of the plot points are. I am aware that this is a fairy tale and is obviously unrealistic; however, I also believe that there are some things that do not deserve to surpass logic in the name of ~magic~. For example: how on Earth could the prince fall in completely in love with Snow White at first sight while she is dead?!
Another significant and questionable plot point: regardless of when, where, and in what dimension you reside, isn’t it always aggressive to kill a 7 year old because they are prettier than you, a middle-aged woman? Even if you are the Queen? As if that wasn’t enough, the noble Queen demands that her hunter return with Snow White’s heart as proof that the girl is dead- and when the hunter returns with a (boar’s) heart, she proceeds to EAT it. Every new development in that story line increases in psychopathy.
The scene where Snow White enters the dwarves’ cottage is heartwarmingly reminiscent of Goldilocks entering the bear’s home: “none of them suited her”. I am positive that there is a reason for this and that the two are connected in some way, though I have no evidence to back that statement up.
The dwarves were exceptionally kind and welcoming to little Snow White. It is obvious, in this section, that Snow White remains very childish OR that she has a woman’s stupidity and cannot resist material temptations, obviously. Either one. I have a few questions: how much time has passed? Is she still 7 years old? If so- the end of this story is much creepier than I had ever thought. Second, why do the dwarves not pick up on the fact that she continues to fall for the Queen’s deceit? If they were going to leave her unattended at all, why do they continue to do so after she nearly dies?
The Queen seems to not fully understand how to kill someone. If Snow White is as foolish as she comes across, the Queen could easily ask for a hug and stab her, among other methods. Simple! But a tight corset and a poison comb? Clearly, ineffective and inefficient. This must be a very different world from Game of Thrones.
Also, considering the quote: “When she heard the glass speak thus she trembled and shook with rage. "Snow-white shall die," she cried, "even if it costs me my life!"” This method seems extremely counterproductive, considering the entire motivation for killing Snow White is so the Queen can be the fairest of them all. If the Queen is dead, she will not be able to accomplish her only goal! Silly Queen!
The Dwarves remain a warm presence in an otherwise creepy tale, insisting on burying Snow White on the mountain with flowers and birds and light rather than in the dark ground. But the King’s son (…which King…? Snow White is the daughter of the King?) ruins this moment of tranquility: “Let me have it [Snow White’s coffin and body] as a gift, for I cannot live without seeing Snow-white. I will honour and prize her as my dearest possession.” He wants to ‘prize’ a CORPSE that he did not know or see until she was a CORPSE?! I don’t believe I have the words to explain how unsettling this is.
I find the end of this story a little hasty, though perhaps this is purposeful. Certainly, there is a lot to unpack- Snow White might be a classic damsel in distress, though if she is 7, her supposed foolishness is fitting for her age and complete lack of supervision. The King’s son reaches unprecedented levels of creepiness as does the Queen in terms of anger and jealousy. But I do like the dwarves.
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