Joshua Riesbeck Professor Chung ENG 200 28 July 2024 The movie Shrek, released in 2001 and written by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S. H. Schulman is widely praised not just for its humor and animation, but for its unique take on traditional fairy tale elements. Unlike the stories featuring typical characters and predictable happy endings, Shrek offers a fresh perspective by challenging societal norms through its storyline and themes. Scholars like Jack Zipes and Maria Takolander have explored the film's unique approach, emphasizing how it challenges and reinterprets classic fairy tale elements. Shrek subverts typical fairy tale elements including the beautiful princess aspect, conventional gender roles and issues in class …show more content…
The movie takes a look at the social systems that ostracize individuals who do not fit the mold, using humor and satire to convey its underlying message. Shrek addresses issues of class and social hierarchy by depicting Shrek and the other fairy tale creatures as outcasts who resist and overturn the oppressive rule of Lord Farquaad. Scenes where fairy tale creatures are rounded up and banished from Farquaad's realm underscore the unjust nature of hierarchies. The sight of characters like the Three Little Pigs confined in cages awaiting their fate evokes instances of marginalization and persecution, drawing parallels to issues of race and class. Initially viewed as an outcast due to his ogre status, Shrek's journey throughout the film challenges these societal barriers, revealing their inherent randomness. The bond that forms between Shrek, Donkey and Fiona showcases the potential for connections that transcend societal barriers. This theme is underscored in the movie's climax, where the misfits unite to overthrow Farquaad's tyranny symbolizing the strength of unity and defiance against unjust