Gender and Female Agency in the Cinderella Fairy Tale: Power Dynamics of Protagonists

This book explores the evolving representation of female heroines in the Walt Disney Princess franchise, with a particular focus on Cinderella as a central case study. By comparing classic and modern reinterpretations of the fairy tale, the study examines how Disney's portrayal of princesses has changed over time. Through an analysis of Cinderella (1950), Ella Enchanted (2004), and Ella and the Prince (2015), the work reveals a clear shift from passive, traditional heroines to more complex, active, and empowered female characters. These modern princesses increasingly take on decision-making roles and exercise agency, challenging long-standing fairy-tale conventions. The book also traces the institutionalization of fairy tales as a literary genre and investigates how their narratives have influenced cinematic adaptations, particularly within Disney's storytelling tradition. Overall, this study offers valuable insight into gender representation, narrative evolution, and the cultural impact of fairy tales in contemporary cinema.