Write a paper that showcases an issue (gender roles, stereotypes, ethnicity, man vs. nature, destruction of natural world, rich/poor/class issues, etc.) that is presented in the different versions (original story, musical representation, Disney animation). Look at this issue through the lens of the story, the music and the animation. Think of this paper as a case study -you are looking at some huge topic (poverty, classism, etc.) and using this story (and music and movie) as a window through which to view this issue. Your paper should argue the cultural implications and use evidence from the music, the story and the animation. You are looking at the larger issue through the lens of the story, the music and the animation. (Yes, all should be equal, so you need 1/3 of your paper about the music!) Suggestions You MAY: ?Analyze a character and find musical evidence to support your musical interpretation/character analysis ?Compare the music or character or plot to other similar works. You MUST: ?Write extensively about the music (including history/background/research of the piece and composer) ?Use appropriate research (for all aspects of the paper). ? Advice/Ideas Develop a thesis/thread about the music some large issue that you can see the effects of in each of the representations. Write an outline for yourself so you can juggle the issues of the story, the music, Disney, the composer, outside research etc. Find a question that you want to answer thats the thread to follow. Think about the way we are talking about Cinderella; start with your preconceptions/assumptions. Research the composer, the story and the music so you have facts to support your ideas. Read multiple versions of the story and research the history of the fairy tale and its place in the fairy tale canon. Sleeping Beauty Things to be aware of: Tchaikovsky wrote music for an entire ballet (ca. 3 hours). The music you need to listen to is the suite, which is excerpts from the complete ballet. You will need to be able to refer to the movements of the suite so that you can be clear in which music you are referring to at any given time. Aurora is exclusively Disneys name of the princess and Maleficent is exclusively Disneys villain. Be careful not to put all the Disney interpretations on every version Points of interest Disney used only music from Tchaikovskys score, but he used it for different purposes. For instance, the music that is used for Maleficent is not necessarily the music that Tchaikovsky composed to represent the evil fairy. I made a sheet that lists what music is used when (its not comprehensive, but a good starting point) which will be posted to Blackboard. Tchaikovskys version, although based primarily on one authors fairy tale, brings in some new characters and elements that dont conform to any fairy tale. Things to consider Gender Roles and the societal implications Is Magic good or evil? Why did Disney use Tchaikovskys music and does this relate to cultural appropriation or is it a compliment/homage? Is Sleeping Beauty an appropriate role model for 21st century children? Was she ever a good role model? What are the moral lessons implied in this story?Show more
