Муниципальное автономное общеобразовательное учреждение
«Лингвистическая гимназия № 20 им. Л. Л. Верховцевой»
XIII Городская научно-практическая конференция учащихся
«Языковая компетентность современного человека»
Эволюция образа Белоснежки в английском кинематографе
Выполнили:
Учащиеся 9 «А» класса
Гайсина Ленара,
Малышева Диана
Руководитель:
Учитель английского языка
МАОУ «Лингвистическая гимназия № 20»
Н. В. Козлова
Сарапул
2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….3
Chapter 1. Literature review on the topic………………………….………………5
Chapter 2. Comparison of Snow White’s images in films………………………….8
Conclusions……………………………………………………………………….12
Bibliography………………………………………………………………………14
INTRODUCTION
The character of Snow White is one of the most famous and multifaceted characters in the history of cinema and literature. Its evolution reflects changes in society, cultural values, and perspectives on female identity. The relevance of this study lies in the need to understand this character within the context of modern cultural and social environments, as well as to explore the impact of cinema on the formation of stereotypes and images.
The problem lies in the contradiction between the classic image of Snow White, which promotes traditional ideals of femininity and sacrifice, and modern interpretations that emphasize strength, independence, and other qualities that are characteristic of modern women.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the changes in the image of Snow White in cinema over time and identify the factors that influence these changes.
It is necessary to fulfill the following tasks:
- to review of the literature on the topic, including existing studies and articles;
- to compare the Snow White’s images in films over a period of time, identifying the key factors influencing the evolution of this image.
The subject of the study is the image of Snow White in the cinema of different eras.
The object of the study is specific film adaptations of the fairy tale about Snow White.
The research hypothesis is that the image of Snow White has undergone significant changes that reflect social and cultural transformations, and that modern versions of this character are more adapted to real-life conditions and audience expectations.
In the study we will use the following methods: comparative analysis, content analysis, and a literature review method.
Practical significance of the work is that the results of this study can be useful for studying changes in cinema, analyzing cultural stereotypes and sociocultural transformations, and can also serve as a basis for further scientific research in the field of media cultural studies.
CHAPTER 1. LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE TOPIC
This chapter will explore scholarly articles on the character of Snow White, including works that analyze both the original sources and various adaptations. The focus will be on how each author interprets the character, its significance, and its impact on public perceptions.
The image of Snow White has been studied from different points of views. Here are some scientific studies on the image of Snow White in films and cartoons:
A study from a feminist point of view examines the portrayal of Snow White in various adaptations of the fairy tale in terms of gender representations, rights and opportunities. The authors study how adaptations reflect or reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes, and how Snow White is presented as a multifaceted and independent character [1].
In the study of the interpretation of the image of Snow White in the film «Mirror, Mirror» (2012) the authors consider how this adaptation interprets the image of Snow White in the context of gender discourse, how the film changes and expands aspects such as the passive and active roles of the characters, their expression of emotions and morality [2].
In the study of the impact and legacy of the film «Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs» (1937) the authors consider how the film influenced the development of animation, how it was perceived in the American context and what place it occupies in world culture [3].
A study of the influence of the image of Snow White examines aspects such as the innovative use of technology and contributions to the visual style of animation, the perception of film in context, and its status as a global cultural phenomenon [3].
When comparing different perspectives we can see that the authors include both those who adhere to traditional views of Snow White and those who are critical of established stereotypes.
Authoritative opinions about Snow White often rely on cultural context. Some researchers emphasize the negative impact of the image on the perception of femininity, while others see it as a symbol of overcoming and self-awareness. Special attention is paid to conflicting interpretations and the diversity of approaches.
Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (David Hand, 1937) occupies a central place within the history of global animation. Based on the German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, the film was the first feature-length animated film produced by the Disney Studio and served to announce the animated cartoon as an industrial art form. Yet Disney’s landmark version not only set in motion the Golden Age of the Hollywood cartoon, but has continued to stand as an international sensation, prompting multiple revisions and remakes within a variety of national filmmaking contexts. This book explores the enduring qualities that have marked Snow White’s influence and legacy, providing a collection of original chapters that reflect upon its pioneering use of technology and contributions to animation’s visual style, the film’s reception within an American context, and its status as a global cultural phenomenon [3].
The work creates a basis for further research on images in cinema, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural and social contexts, which makes it relevant for both cultural studies and media studios.
On the one hand, Richard Corliss, a reporter from Time compared the new versions with the classics Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and considered the original one more solid and «magical». He also noticed that the new versions lose their fabulous simplicity. So, too much change destroys the atmosphere of a classic fairy tale.
On the other hand, Hey Oh Scott from The New York Times has a balanced opinion. He writes about the films of 2012 and emphasizes that Snow White is becoming more active. But he admits that sometimes the image seems «not fully revealed». So, the changes are interesting, but not always successfully implemented.
Manohla Dargis from The New York Times offers the analytical view. She consideres the new versions as a cultural phenomenon and notes the transition from an «object of salvation» to an independent heroine. She also attributes this to the changing role of women in cinema. So, the evolution of Snow White reflects changes in society.
David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter gives his Opinions on the new version (2025). He expects from Snow White an interest in a more independent lifestyle. However, he warns not to lose the «soul» of the original. So, we need to maintain a balance between classic and modern.
Drawing the conclusion, we see the image of Snow White is perceived controversially over time. All the authors agree that it depicts the changes in the role of the woman in society, whereas some of them would like to preserve more of the original version.
CHAPTER 2. COMPARISON OF SNOW WHITE’S IMAGES IN FILMS
Snow White is one of the most iconic characters in the history of animated films, with her story first brought to life by Disney in 1937. As cultural reflections, adaptations of Snow White across various decades showcase significant changes in her image, influenced by societal norms, feminist movements, and evolving audience expectations. This research aims to compare the portrayal of Snow White in films from 1937, 2001, 2012, and 2025 adaptation, using criteria such as appearance, personality, relationship with the prince, and social role.
We selected the following films for our research: ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ (1937), ‘Snow White: The Sequel’ (2001), ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ (2012), ‘Snow White’ (2025).
We will compare the image according to the criteria:
— ‘Appearance’: we focus on visual representation, including costume, makeup, and overall aesthetic.
— ‘Personality’: we analyze character traits, including agency, independence, and depth of characterization.
— ‘Relationship with the Prince’: we examine how her romantic relationship is portrayed and its significance within the plot.
— ‘Social Role’: we assess her role and significance within the context of the story and societal expectations.
A qualitative analysis is performed in Table 1 for each film, highlighting how Snow White’s image reflects the cultural and societal context of the time.
Table 1. A qualitative analysis for films ‘Snow White’ over period of time
| 1937 | 2001 | 2012 | 2025 | |
| Appearance | pale skin, red lips, and black hair. | still beautiful, slight variations in hairstyles and clothing that indicate growth. | a grittier, darker aesthetic. a more rugged appearance, indicative of a warrior rather than a damsel. | of Latin-American origin, some people think she is less beautiful than the Queen |
| Personality | passive and submissive; kind and naive. Her personality is developed mostly through her interactions with the dwarfs. | a slightly more assertive, begins to take on responsibilities and make choices for herself. | a strong-willed, independent, more dynamic and has a will to fight. | has the desire to create a harmonious and caring environment, optimistic and resilient. Open to new experiences, prefers a traditional lifestyle. |
| Relationship with the prince | Their love is portrayed as fairy tale romance | The prince plays a slightly larger role | mutual respect rather than idealized love. | Instead of the prince, there is a cynical and cocky bandit leader |
| Social role | domesticity and nurturing. | Slightly more independent, more actively engaged with her surroundings | a warrior, challenging the traditional role of women in fairy tales. | a more confident and independent heroine. |
Appearance:
1937: Snow White is depicted as the epitome of traditional beauty—pale skin, red lips, and black hair. Her appearance is heavily stylized, aligning with fairy tale visuals that emphasize innocence.
2001: The animated sequel presents a more modern take, with Snow White’s design reflecting early 2000s cartoon aesthetics. While still beautiful, she shows slight variations in hairstyles and clothing that indicate growth.
2012: This version presents a grittier, darker aesthetic. Snow White (Kristen Stewart) has a more rugged appearance, indicative of a warrior rather than a damsel.
2025: In an attempt to modernize the character, Snow White’s name’s story was changed to indicate her birth in the snow, rather than her skin color.
Personality
1937: Portrayed as passive and submissive; her primary traits are kindness and naivety. Her personality is developed mostly through her interactions with the dwarfs.
2001: This iteration introduces a slightly more assertive Snow White, who begins to take on responsibilities and make choices for herself.
2012: Snow White emerges as a strong-willed, independent character who fights for her freedom and strives to reclaim her kingdom. She is more dynamic and has a will to fight.
2025: The character is characterized by such traits as the desire to create a harmonious and caring environment, the desire to take care of others, optimism and resilience. Snow White is open to new experiences, but prefers a familiar and traditional lifestyle. Relationship with the Prince
1937: The prince is a distant figure, with little agency in the story. Their love is portrayed as fairy tale romance, relying on the “true love’s kiss” trope.
2001: The prince plays a slightly larger role, but their relationship still lacks depth; it’s mostly a vehicle for the climax.
2012: The relationship is more complicated. The prince (Chris Hemsworth) is a character with his own story arc, and Snow White is shown to be less reliant on him for her happiness. It illustrates mutual respect rather than idealized love.
2025: There was no significant interaction between Snow White and the prince in the original story due to the technical limitations of the animation. In the remake, the prince’s role may be even more limited. Instead of the prince, there is a cynical and cocky bandit leader named Jonathan, who is Snow White’s lover.
Social Role
1937: Snow White is depicted within traditional gender norms, focused on domesticity and nurturing. Her social role is confined to that of a good princess awaiting rescue.
2001: Slightly more independent, but still influenced by traditional values. She engages more actively with her surroundings than her 1937 counterpart.
2012: A significant shift towards a feminist interpretation, where Snow White is portrayed as a warrior leading a revolt against tyranny, challenging the traditional role of women in fairy tales.
2025: In an attempt to update the story, the traditional image of the princess was abandoned, portraying a more confident and independent heroine. Snow White fulfills her duties as a princess and caring hostess of the dwarf house, showing commitment to her roles.
Thus, we can draw the conclusions. The evolution of Snow White’s character from 1937 to the expected representation in 2025 illustrates a significant shift in how female characters are portrayed in film. Snow White’s journey reflects a broader shift in societal views on gender roles, moving from the archetypal damsel to a strong, independent leader. The evolution of her relationship with the prince represents a deeper understanding of partnership, where collaboration and mutual respect replace stereotypical romantic narratives. Each adaptation mirrors the sociocultural context of its time, with the potential 2025 adaptation poised to address modern themes like empowerment, equality, and environmental consciousness. Ultimately, the image of Snow White continues to evolve, aligning with changing attitudes towards gender and social roles, reflecting a progressive view of femininity in the cinematic landscape.
CONCLUSIONS
The image of snow white is one of the most familiar images representing the traditional image of a woman. It has changed over time, reflecting social changes and the evolution of gender stereotypes. We analyzed four versions of the image presented in the films. Each version portrays not only a new interpretation of the classic fairy tale, but also responds to current issues and challenges faced by society.
The literature review established a foundational understanding of the portrayal of Snow White across various adaptations. The research indicates that the image of Snow White has evolved significantly since her debut in the 1937 Disney animated classic. Critical analyses of adaptations reveal that variations in narrative focus, characterization, and audience reception reflect broader societal changes.
The comparative analysis of Snow White’s portrayals in the selected films revealed several trends:
The characterization transitions from passive to active. Earlier portrayals depict Snow White primarily as a damsel in distress, while more recent adaptations show her taking control of her fate.
Each iteration reflects differing feminist ideologies, with adaptations becoming increasingly responsive to audience expectations for strong female protagonists.
The variations not only reflect changes in gender norms but also illustrate shifts in cultural values, particularly regarding beauty standards, moral narratives, and the role of women in society.
Advances in technology and animation style have allowed for richer and more dynamic portrayals, influencing how Snow White’s character is rendered visually and thematically.
The tasks have been completed, the goal has been achieved, and the hypothesis has been confirmed.
Future research could explore the influence of international adaptations of Snow White on cultural perceptions of gender, a deeper examination of audience reception through qualitative studies (e.g., surveys, interviews) to understand how different demographics interpret Snow White’s evolving image, the role of merchandise and marketing in shaping the image and appeal of Snow White in contemporary culture.
