Rumpelstiltskin: Superimposing current societal/cultural needs onto the fairy tale genre

Abstract

Since their introduction in 1815, Grimm’s Children’s Stories and Household Tales have been retold and refashioned many times in American popular culture. Closely studying these retellings helps readers understand the differences in culture, society, and context when compared to the texts that influenced them. This thesis uses the tenets of narrative and critical theory, specifically Cultural, Feminist, and Marxist theories, to compare the tale “Rumpelstiltskin” by the Brothers Grimm with the Rumpelstiltskin character in the ABC network show Once Upon A Time (2011). This is done in order to analyze the ideological changes and similarities present between the original and adaptation. This study concludes that adaptations, although retaining certain elements from the original text, are actually more reflective and promote current mores, ideological beliefs, and customs.