Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2007
Publication Title
Marvels & Tales: Journal of Fairy-Tale Studies
First Page
216
Last Page
227
Additional Publication URL
http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/mat/summary/v021/21.2.jorgensen.html
Abstract
The increased personification of fairy godmothers in contemporary American media corresponds to an aspect of the American worldview that emphasizes "magical" quick fixes and solutions. The two fairy-tale pastiche works informing this study are a novel, The Fairy Godmother, by fantasy author Mercedes Lackey, and a movie, Shrek 2. Both of these works feature fairy godmother characters that depart from canonical folktale and fairy-tale depictions. Associated with fate and wisdom, fairy godmothers act much as folklorists do by rewarding traditional behavior with gifts. Recent fairy godmother roles are hybrid and multivocal, illuminating ideologies and power structures in both society and story.
Rights
This article was archived with permission from Wayne State University Press, all rights reserved. Document also available from Marvels & Tales.
Recommended Citation
Jorgensen, Jeana, "A Wave of the Magic Wand: Fairy Godmothers in Contemporary American Media" Marvels & Tales: Journal of Fairy-Tale Studies / (2007): 216-227.
Available at https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/facsch_papers/674
Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, Folklore Commons