Ultimate reward in fairy tales.

Abstract

This essay evaluates the notion of the perceived ultimate reward through women’s eyes – the much desired happily ever after portrayed in fairy tales as informed by the ideology of compulsory heterosexuality. Women become the embodiment of beauty only when they are found to be virtuous. They will then be rewarded with the fulfillment of their wishes for marriage. Through the discussion of Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast, this essay will show the growth of women before they are granted with their ultimate desire. The connection between virtue and beauty is also highlighted to emphasize that beauty is not a mere state of physicality, but a physical manifestation of beauty as a result of her inner beauty such as virtues and goodness of self.