'Snow White' As The Brothers Grimm Intended...
The story of 'Snow White' is an old one, and has been loved by generations, but it is not as pleasant as some would believe. 'Snow White', like many tales collected by the Brothers Grimm, has many disturbing elements that are the stuff of nightmares. Paul Heins retells the fairy tale, while Trina Schart Hyman visually depicts it with her soulful illustrations. However, this might not be the best version to share with the youngest of eyes and ears, as Heins's retelling and Hyman's illustrations never shy away from the frightening aspects of the tale. The Queen, once informed that she is no longer the 'fairest of them all', is the image of madness with her crazed eyes and tense posture, while Heins incorporates the Queen's demands for Snow White's lungs and liver so she can have them cooked, as well as the Queen's punishment at the ending. However, I would buy this one for the pictures alone! Lighting is used to highly dramatic effect: twilight looms through the trees as Snow White discovers the cottage of the seven dwarfs, the Queen plots against Snow White in rooms glowing with candle-light, and numerous candles surround Snow White's glass coffin as the dwarfs keep watch over her. These images drive the narrative forward, with their emotional charge and symbolism. The Queen, like any witch, keeps a black cat as a companion, while the dwarfs are hard-working, compassionate little men who serve as Snow White's care-takers. We feel their sadness and despair when Snow White is nearly murdered because Hyman shows us the concern on their faces. Hyman's dwarfs are not merely caricatures-she depicts them as three-dimensional characters who serve a purpose other than comic relief. Snow White truly is 'the fairest of them all', with her cascading black hair, and pure white skin with blushing cheeks and crimson lips. She is a vision to say the least. Her true-love is a masculine and rugged figure, complete with a beard. His expression is unthreatening, however, and he is very 'prince-ly' with his kind eyes and heroic stance. Heins's words are simple, in the tradition of the Grimm Brothers, but they effectively tell a story about vanity and hatred, kindness and love. Easily one of the best editions of the tale, as well as one of Trina Schart Hyman's greatest achievements! My Highest Recommendation!!!
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