Abstract

Throughout history, fairy tales have played a fundamental role in the construction of social imaginaries and the transmission of cultural values, especially those related to gender roles. This paper presents a comparative analysis between the classic version of “The Frog Prince”, compiled by the Brothers Grimm, and its modern adaptation in Disney's The Princess and the Frog (2009), with the aim of exploring how female stereotypes are represented in both narratives. While the princess in the original version is portrayed as a passive and dependent figure, whose destiny is defined by an act of obedience and a magical transformation, in Disney's adaptation, Princess Tiana, she is portrayed as a strong, independent, and ambitious African American woman who strives to fulfill her dreams through effort and perseverance. Through this analysis, I observe that although the modern version presents a significant change, I believe it remains important in the representation of women as it reflects progress and the breaking of traditional prejudices. This analysis shows that children's stories not only entertain, but also positively or negatively influence perceptions of gender roles from childhood onward. Therefore, I believe it is essential to critically review these narratives to promote more inclusive and empowering representations of women in today's society.

Keywords:  Gender Stereotypes, Children's Literature, Feminism