The Upper-Class In Grimm's Snow White

Folk tales have been used again and again to continue the traditions from one generation to the next. In “Snow White”, the Brothers Grimm, show the power and struggle of the characters, and the differences between the lower-class and the upper-class. In “Snow White” Grimm and Grimm illustrate that the lower-class is struggling for a better life, even if they are always working and not having an equal economic situation. This is shown through the seven little dwarfs when they always work, but, unfortunately, the higher social class did not care about them. Using a lens of Marxist Literary Theory, I am going to critique the political power and economic struggle between the upper and the lower class in “Snow White”. In this case, the queen has

As presented in the fairy tale, Snow White is a princess and part of the higher social class. Additionally, the Queen did not really care about the negative economic situation of the lower class. This is why Marxist Literary Theory can be applied to “Snow White”. The author of Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory, Peter Barry, says “The aim of Marxism is to bring about a classless society, based on the common ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange” (150). This quote shows how Karl Marx wants to bring all the classes together where everyone has equal opportunities because there has been division in society. “Snow White” shows class versus class issues and the struggle of the lower

She has to work with the seven little Dwarfs. The dwarfs say, “If you will take care of our house, cook, make the beds, wash, sew and knit, and if you will keep everything neat and clean you can stay with us and you shall want for nothing.” “Yes,” said Snow White, “with all my heart.” And she stayed with them.” (Grimm and Grimm). Because of her realization that she is not in upper class anymore, she had to take on the role of a proletarian by cooking and cleaning for the dwarfs. Snow White is now struggling again with her life because she has no choice but to work for them. If she did not listen to the dwarfs, she would have no place to live, and the evil queen would kill her. Because of their economic struggle of not being able to afford a large home, an additional member to their house, it is a new problem for dwarfs because they have to feed her. Therefore, in order to let her stay there, she has to work for them.

The moral of this story is do not use corrupt power because it can hurt someone economically. In “Snow White” the lower class is worried about jobs and money to support the family and the upper class like the queen thinks of how to make money from the lower class. In other words, the poor will continue to get poorer and the rich will continue to get richer. This issue shows the perspective of class difference