Speech 450

Sample Annotated Bibliography

[This bibliography was prepared by a previous student in Speech 450. She graciously agreed to let it be posted on the course web site. It is good in form and content. Note especially that the bibliography includes citations to several recent articles in scholarly journals and includes no citations to Internet sites.]

Investigates the use of the Cinderella story to examine cultural and sibling relations. Deeply examines the use of "sibling rivalry" in Cinderella as well as the importance of the fairy tale making an emotional connection with a child. By exploring different facets of Cinderella, Bettelheim makes many clear connections between a child's mind-set and the flow of the story. Discusses the use of imagery to aid the progression of the fairy tale as well as the deeper meaning. Examines the metamorphosis of Cinderella's character from her lowly starting position into her true self.

Explores the uncanny parallel that exists between Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and the Grimms' version of Cinderella. Several of the generic similarities that are observed include: lost mothers and cruel mother substitutes, a series of tests that include "demeaning feminine tasks," physical unattractiveness, and religious significance. Clarke makes a very convincing argument about the insertion of Christianity into both of these stories. There is also a compelling look at the difference between the German version and the Grimms' version of Cinderella. This article is incredibly interesting and makes a very credible distinction between the two stories that will make an interesting topic for the term paper.

This book contains the popular Brothers Grimm version of Perrault's Cinderella story. Again, this version of the fairy tale will prove useful in properly distinguishing between the three versions that will be covered in the term paper.

Results of a study that was done on a group of nine women aged 22-29 and fifteen men aged 23-50 about the relationship between Disney movies and perceived beliefs about romantic love and marriage. There were two discussions--one prior to viewing the film and one after. Amazingly, there proved to be a high correlation between the two factors. Out of everyone who participated in the study, all but two people stated that their beliefs about romantic love and marriage could be at least partially attributed to the standards set forth in Disney fairy tales. The entire group of participants cited Cinderella in particular in relation to these perceived beliefs. There was also agreement that a lack of fulfillment for these beliefs could lead to feelings of disillusionment, devastation, and angst.

Exposes the fact that by attacking fairy tales so strongly, feminists and neo-Marxists have actually created waves against their original case standings. Panttaja states that the majority of modern criticism has centered on female psychology and the relationship between psychology and gender. An interesting part of this source is that Panttaja employs the use of authors such as Kay Stone and Bruno Bettelheim in her own article. Coming from a unique angle, Panttaja examines the relationship between Cinderella and her mother as well as the influence of fairy tales on the expectations and rise of different social classes. In conclusion, there is an overview of what Panttaja calls "Our Cinderella," which includes many interesting viewpoints.

Discusses the difference in Hollywood filmmaking and the actual literature of fairy tales. Highlights the fact that many fairy tales critics are actually taking issue with the Hollywood "spin" that has been put on a fairy tale instead of the actual story. Panttaja examines the different perceptions of an epic hero versus a folktale hero. This depicts an overall sense of helplessness in the field of protagonist characters in fairy tales, which then provides a similar avenue for both male and female characters. Examines Cinderella through the similar stories "The Maiden Without Hands" and "All Fur," which are developed more than the Cinderella story.

This is the original version of Cinderella as written by Charles Perrault in 1697. In making a comparison of the different versions of Cinderella, a comparison of the versions by Grimm, Perrault, and Disney seems not only valuable but also necessary.

This book is a wonderful overview of the use of propaganda in relation to children. Many topics are covered throughout the text, including the effects of war propaganda on children, comic book propaganda, French propaganda, and fairy tale propaganda. The text deals quite specifically with fairy tales, including topics such as didactic qualities and stylistic elements of fairy tales. Also included in Proud's text are case studies of related topics and studies of propaganda texts. One of the most important sections of the text deals with the impact of children's propaganda and broader implications, which should be very helpful in the overall scope of the term paper.

Argues that Walt Disney basically makes his female characters into lifeless beings with no personal drive. States that Disney's female characters are unusually passive, obedient, patient, and pretty. Also notes that other than the above listed traits, Disney's heroines do not typically have much else in the way of useful qualities. Stone asserts that independent, strong heroines cannot be found in any of Grimm's or Disney's works. Warns that fairy tales can have a strong impact on the lives of young girls and may influence their attitudes. Informs the reader that after a study done on this topic, one can conclude that women would like to see more diversity in fairy tale heroines.

Investigates the inner workings of Walt Disney's version of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Through comparing Disney's version with the Perrault and Grimm versions, Wood makes many valid points. Wood deals most specifically with the Disney version, however. The main themes that are examined are gender roles, reality vs. fantasy, symbolism, cultural expectations, American ideology, and moralism. Wood examines each of these facets intricately and knowledgeably. This article is a fabulous tool for studying the deeper meanings of Walt Disney's Cinderella.