Analysis Of Hansel And Gretel

The origin of the fairy tale derives from oral tradition. These tales vary depending on the culture, time, and purpose of the teller, hence why there are multiple versions of a single tale. Every narrator reinvents the tale to meet their needs. The familiar themes, images, and symbols associated with the fairy tale tradition have been recycled by film makers and writers alike. This is because fairy tales are not only the most recognisable narrative worldwide, but they have a certain quality that captivates both the adult and child reader. While the narratives may not necessary contain fairies, they have a supernatural element to them, and often a moral message. In addition, they explore social concerns and identity formation without being threatening, hence the universal appeal of such tales. However, since these tales were not scripted till the early nineteenth century by the Brothers Grimm, their original narrative intended for adults has been watered down and made appropriate for children. Often the happy endings we see today were not present during their original circulation. Hence the fairy tales adaptability to various genres such as horror, romance, and fantasy.

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel is a tale in which good triumphs over evil. Recorded and published by the Brothers Grimm, the plot focuses on an unfortunate brother and sister from a poverty stricken home. After being abandoned in the woods by their father, they stumble upon a house made of confectionary. However this house belongs to a cannibalistic witch, of whom captures the children and plans to eat them. Her plan is foiled when Gretel incinerates the witch, tricking her into climbing into the oven and bolting the door. They make their way home, with pock...

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...s script. These expressions would not have been heard of in Germany during the Middle Ages, let alone been in the original oral tale. In addition weapons such as guns and a fully automated cross bow which the siblings use (appendix three), would not have existed during this era. The sibling’s attire appears to be typical steampunk fashion (appendix four). Steampunk fashion can be defined as having an influence of Victorian era attire, with accented with technological or ‘period’ accessories (appendix five).

The character of Gretel varies greatly from the emotional, submissive, young girl in the literary tale. In the film both the child and adult Gretel are portrayed as violent and aggressive in the way she hacks the witches to death. In addition, adult Gretel is portrayed as being a powerful, and aggressive woman. This can be seen when she head-butts the sheriff