Olrik’s Epic Laws of Folk Narrative are principles that limit, identify and structure the creation of folklore. Schneewittchen by the Brothers Grimm is a folktale that can be perceived in many different ways. Olrik’s Laws allow for a perspective of study that, through analysis, allows for an organic, cultural conception of Schneewittchen. Identifying each of Olrik’s Epic Laws that are evident in Schneewittchen, translated to Snow-White, successfully allows for a deeper understanding of the structural approach as well as the tale. The first law of Olrik’s Epic Laws is the Law of Opening and Closing, which states that a folk tale does not begin with a sudden action or ending. (Olrik 134). There is a very obvious introduction at the beginning
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The Law of Contrast creates labels, as well as highlights aspects and characteristics that are important to the story. To follow the law, characters must have opposing character traits. Each action must be one kind of extreme, and cannot be mediocre for the sake of the plot and character development. The most obvious example in Snow-White is the evil to good contrast. The Queen is constantly represented as an evil, manipulative character while Snow White is constantly described to be good, innocent and likeable. The Law of Contrast is used to fill narrative positions, as well as represent settings. (Rosenburg 4). The warmness of the Dwarves’ home is explained in detail when compared to the dark and dangerous forest. There is also a considerable contrast between the wives of the King. Snow White’s father remarried to the Queen after her mother passed away. This comparison of another character taking on a motherly role sheds light on the characters and without that acknowledgment, would be lacking character development and dimension. Finally, the contrast of beautiful to ugly is evident in Snow-White. The Queen constantly compares herself to Snow-White by asking the Magic Mirror. The response is often a comparison. “You, my queen, are fair; it is true. But Snow-White, beyond the …show more content…
In Snow-White, the use of tableaux scene is often used for description of setting and appearance. An example of this includes when Snow-White dies, and there are two lines used to describe her appearance. “Snow-White lay there in the coffin a long, long time, and she did not decay, but looked like she was asleep, for she was still as white as snow and as red as blood, and as black-haired as ebony wood.” (Grimm 155) It is also used in Snow-White to allow for understanding of the more complex ideas that a young listener would need. “This startled the queen, for she knew that the mirror did not lie, and she realized that the huntsman had deceived her, and that Snow-White was still alive.’ (Grimm 154). The strong visual image of Snow-White’s beauty, as well as the explanation of different situations incorporates Olrik’s Law of Tableau Scenes to highlight important parts of the
The Law of Contrast creates labels, as well as highlights aspects and characteristics that are important to the story. To follow the law, characters must have opposing character traits. Each action must be one kind of extreme, and cannot be mediocre for the sake of the plot and character development. The most obvious example in Snow-White is the evil to good contrast. The Queen is constantly represented as an evil, manipulative character while Snow White is constantly described to be good, innocent and likeable. The Law of Contrast is used to fill narrative positions, as well as represent settings. (Rosenburg 4). The warmness of the Dwarves’ home is explained in detail when compared to the dark and dangerous forest. There is also a considerable contrast between the wives of the King. Snow White’s father remarried to the Queen after her mother passed away. This comparison of another character taking on a motherly role sheds light on the characters and without that acknowledgment, would be lacking character development and dimension. Finally, the contrast of beautiful to ugly is evident in Snow-White. The Queen constantly compares herself to Snow-White by asking the Magic Mirror. The response is often a comparison. “You, my queen, are fair; it is true. But Snow-White, beyond the …show more content…
In Snow-White, the use of tableaux scene is often used for description of setting and appearance. An example of this includes when Snow-White dies, and there are two lines used to describe her appearance. “Snow-White lay there in the coffin a long, long time, and she did not decay, but looked like she was asleep, for she was still as white as snow and as red as blood, and as black-haired as ebony wood.” (Grimm 155) It is also used in Snow-White to allow for understanding of the more complex ideas that a young listener would need. “This startled the queen, for she knew that the mirror did not lie, and she realized that the huntsman had deceived her, and that Snow-White was still alive.’ (Grimm 154). The strong visual image of Snow-White’s beauty, as well as the explanation of different situations incorporates Olrik’s Law of Tableau Scenes to highlight important parts of the