Brave (2012) and Sleeping Beauty (1959) Final Exam Assignment:

Dinsey’s animated films have long reflected and influenced societal attitudes towards gender and feminism. Comparing Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Brave (2012) highlights the evolution from traditional, stereotypical portrayals of gender, specifically women’s roles, to more enlightened, feminist representations of women.

In Sleeping Beauty, the protagonist Aurora, epitomizes the traditional “damsel in distress” archetype. Her beauty, grace and passivity define Aurora’s character. The films focus on Aurora’s beauty as her defining trait reflecting 1950s societal expectations of women, valuing appearance over action and intellect. She spends much of the film asleep, awaiting rescue from Prince Phillip. This narrative places her agency entirely in the hands of a male hero, reinforcing the stereotype that women are passive and reliant on men for salvation. The portrayal of powerless female leads in Disney films promoted hegemonic norms, perpetuating societal gender stereotypes. It has structured and assured the hegemonic gender roles of women in the household throughout its films.(Aboelenien, Aya, and Ruxandra Monica Luca). Aurora’s life is shaped by external forces: the curse of Maleficent, the protection of the three fairies, and Phillips’s bravery. She has little to no control over her fate. Moreover, her romantic relationship is based on minimal interaction, perpetuating the idealized notion of love as instantaneous and destined. Aurora’s lack of significant dialogue and agency underscores her role as a symbol rather than an individual, relegated to the background of her own story.

In contrast, Brave presents a more progressive and feminist narrative, centered on Merida, a firey and independent princess who defies traditional gender roles. Unlike Aurora, Merida actively resists societal expectations, particularly the pressure to marry for political alliance rather than personal choice. Her refusal to conform drives the film’s central conflict and ultimately leads to her personal growth and reconciliation with her mother, Queen Elinor. Merida’s character is multi-dimensional, showcasing traits like courage, determination, and emotional vulnerability. She uses a bow and arrow with great skill, symbolizing her strength and autonomy, and setting a much more positive role model for little girls. Her journey is not centred on romance with a Prince but on mending her strained relationship with her mother and her independence. This shift in focus challenges the traditional narrative that a princess’s primary goal is to find love.

Furthermore, Brave explores themes of female empowerment and the complexity of mother-daughter relationships. Unlike Sleeping Beauty, where female characters often serve supporting roles, Brave places women at the forefront of the story, both as protagonists and as sources of conflict and resolution. While Sleeping Beauty reinforces harmful stereotypes and traditional gender roles, Brave subverts them, showcasing how Disney has adapted to evolving social norms. The film illustrates the progression from depicting women as objects of desire and rescue to portraying them as independent, complex individuals capable of shaping their destinies.

Sleeping Beauty and Brave are cultural markers that show how gender and feminism have evolved in Disney films. Sleeping Beauty represents obsolete stereotypes, but Brave promotes female empowerment and uniqueness. Together, these films show the ongoing quest for more inclusive and enlightened storytelling, pushing audiences to accept various images of women in media.