Rasmussen 1
Melly Rasmussen
Prof. S. Lynch
IDS-Connections
16 Oct. 2024
The Concept of Masculinity in Sleeping Beauty
Masculinity is a concept that is not often explored in fairytales, yet most male characters
are described using traditional masculine traits such as bravery, nobility, and honor. Usually,
each is portrayed as a hero or strong figure willing to confront danger while women are seen as
fragile. Whether it's a prince, a king, or some other heroic character they are depicted as daring
and fearless. In the story of Sleeping Beauty, the prince is portrayed as a strong, adventurous man
who takes on the dark fairy to rescue the sleeping princess and they marry and live happily ever
after. This concept has been done many times in various adaptations of the story and almost
every fairytale, however, it is often criticized for its representation of men and traditional gender
roles.
In the original Grimm fairytale, masculinity is not implied but the traits associated with
masculinity are shown through the characters. As mentioned earlier, the prince is described as
fearless, courageous, and dashing. He wants to save the princess and isn't afraid to take the risk.
Meanwhile, the king, Sleeping Beauty’s (Little Briar Rose) father is kind and loving but
protective. He also has a commanding, harsh attitude shown by his desire to shield Sleeping
Beauty from her eternal slumber. These traits show the readers how masculinity should be and
illustrate how men should act. Many have argued over the years that masculinity is portrayed
Melly Rasmussen
Prof. S. Lynch
IDS-Connections
16 Oct. 2024
The Concept of Masculinity in Sleeping Beauty
Masculinity is a concept that is not often explored in fairytales, yet most male characters
are described using traditional masculine traits such as bravery, nobility, and honor. Usually,
each is portrayed as a hero or strong figure willing to confront danger while women are seen as
fragile. Whether it's a prince, a king, or some other heroic character they are depicted as daring
and fearless. In the story of Sleeping Beauty, the prince is portrayed as a strong, adventurous man
who takes on the dark fairy to rescue the sleeping princess and they marry and live happily ever
after. This concept has been done many times in various adaptations of the story and almost
every fairytale, however, it is often criticized for its representation of men and traditional gender
roles.
In the original Grimm fairytale, masculinity is not implied but the traits associated with
masculinity are shown through the characters. As mentioned earlier, the prince is described as
fearless, courageous, and dashing. He wants to save the princess and isn't afraid to take the risk.
Meanwhile, the king, Sleeping Beauty’s (Little Briar Rose) father is kind and loving but
protective. He also has a commanding, harsh attitude shown by his desire to shield Sleeping
Beauty from her eternal slumber. These traits show the readers how masculinity should be and
illustrate how men should act. Many have argued over the years that masculinity is portrayed
