Snow White, by Lídia Jorge: about women and princesses

Abstract

This article makes an intertextual reading of the character Maria da Graça, from the short story “Branca de Neve”, by Lidia Jorge, with the Snow White from the fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by the The Brothers Grimm. As theoretical support, we use the psychoanalysis of fairy tales and an interface with gender studies. In the classic tale, the main character is a young woman, fragile, who “needs” male protection, is wronged by her stepmother, a jealous and envious woman, but strong and empowered. On the other hand, Maria da Graça has both sides of fairy tales feminine: she is strong, independent and ambitious, like the “witch”, and innocent like the “princess”, since she does not hurt the attitude of the boys who follow her, and thus as Snow White, when she finds herself alone, she needs to fight for survival. While the first is supported by the dwarves, the second is injured by the boys, the “dwarves”. In a chronicle from 2020, Lidia Jorge reflects on the importance of exposing inequality, violence and other situations that make women inferior and highlights the urgency of this discussion, considering that “the feminist struggle is a matter of balance for humanity”. The intertextuality focuses on Maria da Graça’s challenges to be successful, and like so many “flesh and blood” women, she is independent and establishes herself safely in an environment historically marked by male predominance. Nevertheless, she is not immune from physical or symbolic violence that lurks in every corner.