Summary
Summary Snow Child notes
notes on Angela Carter's Snow Child with quotes and themes and a summary.
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Snow childHelen Simpson “most shocking piece” in collection.
From Grimm fairy tales in non-published version Snow White was born from her father’s desires, not
her mother’s.
Countess could arguable be described as an active and empowered Juliette who momentarily is
rendered de Sade’s Justine when she is reduced to nakedness. While the mute and passive child
starts as a Justine but only momentarily before it is forced into complete passivity.
No sisterhood, Second Wave Feminism, both women are competitive with one another.
Gothic tropes:
Powerful predators and male gaze
Virgin/ whore dichotomy
Predator/ prey dichotomy – desiring subject and desired object
Manifestations of desire
Taboo themes i.e. paedophilia and necrophilia
Sexual aggression – rape
Isolated setting of blank canvas of white snow
This is a vignette (snap-shot) dreamlike and surrealist.
Count – patriarchal, powerful aristocrat, domineering, entitled.
“she wrapped in glittering pelts of black foxes” the countess is protected by luxury, she is serious in
all black on a black horse, she is cold and serious.
“the whole world was white” blank canvas
“I wish I had a girl as white as snow” virginal, pure, Justine, innocent, vulnerable.
“I wish I had a girl as red as blood” Scarlett women, whore, knowledgeable.
“I wish I had a girl as black as that bird’s feather” black – dead, passive, necrophiliac, control.
“as soon as he finished his description, there she stood”
Helen Simpson “creations of fantasy” and “wish-fulfilment”
John Berger Ways of Seeing: “men act and women appear”.
“white skin, red lips, black hair and stark naked; she was the child of his desire” power, control,
product of desire. Juvenile
Carter “to be the object of desire is to be defined in the passive case”
John Berger Ways of Seeing “nakedness reveals itself” it is vulnerable compared to the “dress” of
nudity.
“the countess hates her”
“he lifted her up and sat her in front of him” passive, submissive, objectified, subservient.
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