Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Given the choice of Bluebeard stories to write on, i decided to go with the Grimm's vanilla option. Their Bluebeard is the most streamlined and basic of all the other versions, even if it is lacking in certain fairytale elements. The most interesting part of the story to me is the three different roles of the male characters, the first of which is the father of the soon to be bride. His part, though brief, is very different from the other two. He wants only the best for his daughter, and because of this, he gives her away to Bluebeard, and is completely absolved of responsibility. It is also an interesting dynamic that the daughter approaches the brothers as a means of potential rescue as opposed to the father. The father essentially has no ties left to the daughter after he gives her to Bluebeard. Bluebeard himself is initially seen as a great provider for the wife. The only cruel action he commits is because he following through on his promise. Though it is an over reaction, in a strange sense, it can be perceived as a twisted form of justice. Bluebeard is only seeking to punish his wife for her transgressions. The brothers are the knights in shining armor in the tale. They are the idealized males, in that once the damsel becomes distressed, they immediately charge off to battle and rescue her.
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It interesting that you reviewed the different roles the males play in the story. I hadn't thought about this aspect of the story. I do agree that following through on his promise is an excessive reaction, although I suppose, warranted. But interestingly enough, it is reminiscent of the bible. Eve did the same thing, succumbing to curiosity (even with assistance: temptation, almost like the imp in Barbebleu) and essentially creating a train of destruction bringing eventual ruin.
ReplyDeleteI never thought to evaluate the roles of the males in the story. When reading each version, I evaluated the main girl, and not the men. Though it is interesting to view it this way. What I find the most interesting about this is the father. He is the cause of all the problems. He created a child that transgresses, and he sent her off to a place where this occurs. He seems to be the root of the problems, and he does not fix anything. He causes the problems, then is done to let his next generation of men fix it for him. What is so special about the brothers? They are his offspring just like the daughter, but they are the heroes, and she is the problem.
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