Michaela Kricko, Macey Warren, Stephen Gordon,
Elliott Duncan
Evolution of Disney Princesses
Thesis: Disney princesses, over time, have evolved from male dependance to female independence and societal dependence of women.
1937
Snow White
- the first Disney princess
- dependent on male
- ends up in a house with seven adult dwarves
- she agrees to be their maid
- remains at home cleaning for them and cooking when her housemates return home.
- The scenario she is in represents the stereotype that the woman should be a “housewife” while the man is the provider.
- needs prince to save her from "sleep"
Princess Aurora
- curse placed upon her
- can only be saved by Prince Phillip
- There’s no quest she can go on or some niche artifact that can break the curse.
- It’s up to the man to help her
1959
Belle
1991
- ultimately the hero as she uses her love to save the prince from his beastly appearance
- prince is dependent on her to become free of his curse
- shown to be smart, independent, and headstrong
Jasmine
- she longs for adventure and to get out of her boring palace
- rebellious in nature
- does not want involvement in a forced marriage
- celebrates independent decisions of women
1992
1998
Mulan
- Mulan’s duty to “bring honor to her family” by marrying
- Mulan does not believe that she needs to marry
- dresses as a man and fights in the war in place of her father
- fights social normalities, of men being the warrior and women being the homemaker
2009
Tiana
- dreams of owning her own restaurant.
- In the 1920,women did not have many rights or respect
- racism was also prominent in the Southern region of the United States.
- Disney shows that women can in fact become entrepreneurs
2010
Rapunzel
- female independence is not as prominent as the aforementioned
- protects herself from the intruder Flynn Rider
- requires him to embark on a journey with her before returning stolen crown
- female dominance over her male counterpart.
Merida
- first Disney princess who does not have a love interest.
- refuses to accept a man to marry
- causes a rift between her and her family
- causes her to become the heroine instead of needing a “prince” to help her.
2012
Elsa
- becomes the sole queen of her country
- saves her sister and her kingdom from herself and the people trying to take her kingdom.
Moana
- fights to protect her whole island.
- relies somewhat on her “sidekick” Maui
- realizes that she has the power within her to fix her problem.
2013 and 2016