Warm up Paragraph

How does the subversion of perspectives alter plot emphasis? Give examples from your chosen fairy Commented [dN1]: Narration- Perspective of the story
tale To support.

The use of perspective is effective in altering the emphasis on specific parts of plot. This is effectively
portrayed within the alteration of the narration of Hansel and Gretel which when told from the
perspective of Hansel it is evident that the children although naïve and vulnerable, from the witch’s
perspective as these kids are essentially what she wanted, they become even more vulnerable. This is
furthered in the notion that Gretel believes that she is a hero when she leaves a trail of crumbs to lead
them back to there home, not realizing that from the witch’s perspective this is a lifeline leading her to
there “home”. Thus it is through the utilization of the subversion of perspectives that the story of Hansel
and Gretel is effective in emphasizing specific snapshots of the plot.

 From the outset the protagonist has been subverted to explore what is usually the antagonist
 Ironically his story is foreshadowed, and he ridicules it allows
 Shrek is an endearing character
 “this is the part where you run away” Irony Shrek subscribes to how the traditional fairy tale is
told
 Soft music evokes a sense of peace
 Narrative voice of Shrek is ridiculing his own journey
 Irony: “like that’s ever gonna happen” Reveals his ridicule
 Mirror breaking reveals the ugly nature of the ogre Shrek Mirror is a tool for self-examination
Ogre is being repulsive
 “ no actually that would be a giant, now Ogre’s…”
 Shrek uses his roar to ridicule the nature of the traditional story telling
 Wanted sign.. reveals that there will be other characters in the film

How does the film Shrek (2001) subvert the traditional fairy tale narrative, and in doing so, offer a
narrative that confronts traditional ideologies?

Mick Myers 2001 film Shrek is exceptional in presenting the undeniable concept of the subversion of the
traditional telling of the fairy tale narratives. He does this throughout the opening scene through the
character of Shrek. From the outset the calm music coupled with the irony whilst Shrek foreshadows his
trip as a protagonist. This is furthered in the Mirror breaking which is effective in revealing The
disguisting nature of shrek and his repulsive behavior. This coupled with the notion that he attempts to
subvert the traditional way of telling a fairy tale through his patheticism while greeting the people of the
village “This is the part where you run” allows the audience to view the ideologies surrounding the
tellings of fairy tales. As such it is through the use of literary and visual techniques that Mick Myers
allows Shrek to subvert the traditional fairy tale narrative.