Fairy-Tale Revivals in the Long Nineteenth Century: Volume I: Fairy-Tale Revivals: Writing Wonder in Transatlantic Ethnic Literary Revivals, 1850-1950

This collection explores how marginalized writers have responded to the politicized Cinderella traditions in the Anglophone world, offering a dual tradition of clever Cinderellas who negotiate a broken system and passive Cinderellas who die as anti-heroes. Potential texts include works by Sinèad de Valera, Hannah Crafts, Jessie Fauset, Julia Kavanagh, Ann Devlin, and collected oral tales.

Format: Hardback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This collection delves into the diverse and intricate responses to the highly politicized Cinderella traditions prevalent in the Anglophone world. In the United States, Cinderella has seamlessly woven itself into the gendered narrative of the American Dream, as well as the narratives of empire in the colonial world, particularly during the mid-1800s. Marginalized writers have approached these nationalistic colonial traditions in two distinct ways: clever Cinderellas who adeptly navigate a broken system, and passive Cinderellas who tragically meet their demise as anti-heroes in disheartening fairy tales. This dual tradition of marginalized Cinderellas is observable across the Anglophone realm. Potential texts for exploration include the out-of-print works of Sinèad de Valera, excerpts from the novels of Hannah Crafts, Jessie Fauset, and Julia Kavanagh, as well as dramas by Ann Devlin, and collected oral tales.

Introduction:
The Cinderella story, a timeless tale of transformation and empowerment, has captivated audiences for generations. However, its portrayal in the Anglophone world has often been marred by political polarization and cultural appropriation. This collection seeks to explore the diverse and nuanced responses to the politicized Cinderella traditions that have emerged in the Anglophone world.

Marginalized Responses:
In the United States, Cinderella has been incorporated into the gendered narrative of the American Dream and narratives of empire in the colonial world, particularly in the mid-1800s. Marginalized writers have responded to these nationalistic colonial traditions in two distinctive ways. Some have crafted clever Cinderellas who negotiate a broken system, challenging the dominant narratives and subverting expectations. These Cinderellas use their intelligence, resourcefulness, and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, often defying the patriarchal structures and gender norms that perpetuate inequality.

On the other hand, some marginalized writers have portrayed passive Cinderellas who die as anti-heroes in disenchanting fairy tales. These Cinderellas represent the victims of oppressive systems and cultural norms, unable to escape their fate. Their deaths serve as a powerful critique of the dominant narratives and the societal structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

Dual Tradition:
This dual tradition of marginalized Cinderellas is also apparent across the Anglophone world. Potential texts for exploration include the out-of-print works of Sinèad de Valera, excerpts from the novels of Hannah Crafts, Jessie Fauset, and Julia Kavanagh, as well as dramas by Ann Devlin, and collected oral tales. These texts offer a rich tapestry of perspectives and narratives that challenge the traditional Cinderella story and offer new insights into the complexities of gender, power, and identity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection provides a valuable exploration of the diverse and intricate responses to the politicized Cinderella traditions in the Anglophone world. By examining the clever Cinderellas who negotiate a broken system and the passive Cinderellas who die as anti-heroes, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of gender, power, and identity. These narratives challenge the dominant narratives and offer new perspectives on the Cinderella story, reminding us of the importance of empathy, resilience, and social change.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367472696