Comparing Brother Grimms Snow White and The Disney Adaptation

Snow White is one of the most popular fairy tales to date. There are a number of adaptations beyond Disney, all replicating the "skin white as snow, lips red as blood, and hair black as ebony." Let's be honest, without Snow Whites perceived beauty, the Dwarfs, and the prince waking Snow White from her slumber, it would simply not be an adaptation of Snow White.

With the importance of similarities from the intertextuality aspect of it, it is also important that these stories have originalities that set them apart from one another.

The Brothers Grimm portrays the story of Snow White from a darker more ominous point of view. There are themes of jealousy, vengeance, and murderous attempts. Whereas, the Disney version is lighter in tone and it's animation is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including children. A similarity throughout the story is Snow White's personality being defined by her beauty. Her beauty shows to be her biggest strength in that it protects her, but also her greatest weakness as she is pitied and viewed as superficial. The Disney adaptation makes an effort to present Snow White as innocent and kind, yet she still fits into the damsel in distress cliche. The role of the dwarfs in the Brothers Grimm version serve as protectors, providing Snow White with shelter but they do not participate in her revival. Their role in the Disney adaptation is much lighter, as they are the comedic relief, and cater to the charm of the animation. The resolution of conflict is another aspect in which the two differ. The Brothers Grimm version is much more gruesome, as the Queen is tortured to death. The Disney is not as violent and more focused on the power of the Prince and Snow White's true loves kiss.

While both versions of the fairy tale share some similarities such as the poisoned apple, the characters, and the true love's kiss that signifies the turn in the story. They differ significantly in tone, characterization, and resolution. Disney's version is bright and fun compared to that of the Brothers Grimm, creating a glowing atmosphere with magic, and a more "traditional" fairy tale ending.