Date of Award
Spring 1-1-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
First Advisor
Mathias Nordvig
Second Advisor
Lauren Stone
Third Advisor
Ann Schmiesing
Abstract
This thesis explores the relationship between the Märchen genre and monsters, arguing that a key component of both is a mutable nature that allows them to shapeshift or transform in such a way that destabilizes imposed limitations to each of their forms, and the ability to transform the world around them. Specifically, it analyzes three Märchen that contain shapeshifting monstrous figures which are thematically connected to the genre. The first part of the thesis looks at Ludwig Tieck’s Der blonde Eckbert, as both critique of the Enlightenment fairy tale’s focus on rationality and how Tieck represents in the figure of die Alte the ability for art to affect reality. Secondly, it examines Hans Christian Andersen’s Den lille Havfrue as a representation of the Danish social system and its conception of the way to gain immortality though works. Lastly, this thesis analyzes the Grimms’ editorial practice in conjunction with Hänsel und Gretel arguing that they have created a hybrid genre of Märchen that exists uneasily between distinct categories like the figure die Hexe found within it.
Recommended Citation
Budde, Taylor Duncan, "Of Monsters and Märchen: Figures and Forms Through the Märchen Genre" (2018). Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures Graduate Theses & Dissertations. 29.
https://scholar.colorado.edu/gsll_gradetds/29