SNOW WHITE - SUPPRESSED INNOCENCE AND INSECURITY

Snow White tells the story of suppressed innocence, or suppressing the child within, and insecurity

A little girl (or child in generalisation) suppresses their innocence and beauty because of insecurities and self-doubt

The Queen represents the doubt in their own minds. Needing constant reassurance when looking at themselves (in the mirror of self-analysis/self-reflection)

This takes them from their home into the world (the forest). With her "home" safe and happy place then being represented by the seven dwarves

In the original, the witch mother (turned step-mother) visits and 3 times tries to kill Cinderella, representing the taking of beauty from her life and mind

First time, she gives her a corset and laces her up so tight she cannot breathe, which kills her, until the seven dwarves free her

The corset represents things such as 'modesty in expectation'. A child is free to run around naked without needing a sense of shame, whereas part of growing up is being restricted, like the corset, in how you can express yourself. You need to be clothed. You can't jump around and scream and play when and where you want. You are also restricted by things such as responsibility. You can't play because you have to do chores. I believe it also extends to limiting of things such as a parents time, affection and patience. Everything that was the freedom that went with childhood is now restricted like the corset and suffocates the child within

When the dwarves return home, they cut the corset of and let her breathe again. Bringing her back to life. Meaning that in the right circumstances, with the right people, at the right time, in the right places, Snow White (the innocence or child within) is able to be free again

Think of this like a child who is bullied and withdrawn at school, who is bright and vibrant once they get home with their family where they are loved

The second attempt at her life is a come which pierces her scalp and again kills her temporarily until the dwarves come home to remove it and she can "live" again

This represents thing such as 'appearance in expectation'. The need to look a certain way to fit in and be accepted

A child can easily get away with not brushing their hair or wearing whatever they want, but with age comes the pressure and need to look a certain way, dress a certain way, have a certain hairstyle. Whatever it takes to fit in with your peers, because the alternative is ridicule, exclusion, or being otherwise ostracised

The third attempt on Snow Whites life is the poison apple. This represents things such as 'sexuality in expectation'. The apple lodged in the throat that suppresses the innocent child within indefinitely ...

Until a Prince comes along that proves his worth by giving and doing everything for Snow White, to show he can't live without her

When things come to a head, the apple is dislodged from her throat and she can live again

When she finds the right person, she is free to be who she really is inside, without insecurity getting the better of her or fear of being judged. This is symbolised by her insecurity, the witch, being forced to wear red-hot iron shoes and dance until she is dead as punishment

She is free to do what she wants with her husband now that she is married

Also, I think the "trying all the beds and eating a little of the dwarves food" is meant to symbolise tasting life and making mistakes

Samuel Gregory Korn