Ashwin Lewis
The tale of Sleeping Beauty is one that has been passed down and retold in various forms over the years, with the most popular versions being those by Disney, Charles Perrault, and the Brothers Grimm. The story revolves around a princess who falls into a deep slumber due to a jealous fairy's spell. The central question of whether Sleeping Beauty woke up with a kiss has been a subject of debate and interpretation. While some sources suggest that the princess is awakened by a kiss from a determined prince, others provide alternative narratives, such as the original tale by Basile, which has been criticized for its disturbing nature. The act of kissing in the story has sparked discussions about consent and the portrayal of women in fairy tales, with varying perspectives on the implications of Sleeping Beauty's response to the prince's kiss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Did Sleeping Beauty wake up with a kiss? | Yes |
| Who woke her up? | A prince |
| What was the name of the princess? | Aurora |
| What was the name of the prince? | Phillip |
| What was the name of the story? | Sleeping Beauty |
| What are other versions of the story called? | "The Sleeping Beauty in the Woods", "Little Briar Rose", "Sun, Moon, and Talia" |
| Who are the authors of other versions of the story? | Charles Perrault, Brothers Grimm |
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What You'll Learn
Kiss as a tribute, not seizing a helpless body
The kiss in Sleeping Beauty has been a topic of debate, especially in the context of the prince kissing the princess without her consent while she is unconscious. However, some argue that the kiss can be interpreted as a tribute to the princess rather than an act of entitlement.
In the version by Charles Perrault, the prince is described as trembling with "wonder and admiration" as he looks at the sleeping princess. The kiss, in this case, feels more like a tribute to a higher being rather than taking advantage of a helpless body. This interpretation is further supported by the princess's response upon waking up. She greets the prince with tenderness and delight, indicating a pre-established relationship and mutual affection.
In Disney's Sleeping Beauty, Aurora's reaction to the kiss also plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative. After being kissed by Prince Phillip, Aurora wakes up and, after a moment of disorientation, slowly smiles at him without confusion or hesitation. This moment suggests a level of recognition and consent that is absent in other versions of the tale.
It is worth noting that the story of Sleeping Beauty has evolved over time, with versions by Disney, Charles Perrault, and the Brothers Grimm differing significantly from the original tale by Basile, which has been criticized as a rape story. The interpretation of the kiss as a tribute or an act of entitlement depends on the specific version and the context in which it is presented.
Ultimately, the kiss in Sleeping Beauty can be seen as a complex and controversial element of the story. While some may view it as a romantic gesture of true love, others may perceive it as a violation of consent. Interpreting the kiss as a tribute to the princess, as seen in Perrault's version and suggested in Disney's adaptation, offers a more positive and empowering perspective that aligns with modern sensibilities regarding consent and agency.
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Sleeping Beauty's empowered response
In the story of Sleeping Beauty, the princess is awakened by a prince's kiss. This has been a topic of controversy, with some interpreting it as a non-consensual act. However, in Charles Perrault's version, the Sleeping Beauty's response upon waking up is notable for its empowerment.
When the princess awakens, she gazes at the prince with tenderness and says, "Is that you, my prince? What a long time you have kept me waiting!". This statement implies a sense of agency and ownership of her feelings. She acknowledges the prince as someone she has been expecting and welcomes his presence. Her words convey a sense of anticipation and suggest that she is pleased that he has finally arrived.
The princess's response can be interpreted as empowered because she does not display confusion, fear, or shyness. Instead, she greets the prince with warmth and affection, indicating that she is comfortable and happy to see him. This interpretation of her response challenges the passive portrayal of princesses in fairytales and presents a more proactive and self-assured attitude.
Additionally, the princess's words suggest that she has been waiting for the prince, indicating that she has agency in choosing him. This subverts the traditional narrative of a princess being passive and rescued by a prince. Instead, her response implies that she has been an active participant in their relationship, and her awakening is a fulfillment of their mutual connection.
The empowered response of Sleeping Beauty in Perrault's version offers a different perspective on the classic fairytale. By having the princess acknowledge and welcome the prince, the story presents a more balanced and progressive dynamic between the two characters. This interpretation allows for a discussion on consent, agency, and the portrayal of women in literature, encouraging a more modern and egalitarian reading of the classic tale.
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The prince is the present moment
The story of Sleeping Beauty is well-known, but the true meaning behind it is often overlooked. The prince in the story represents being present, both for oneself and for others.
In the tale, the princess is cast under a spell, causing her to fall into a deep sleep, from which only a valiant prince can wake her. This prince is often interpreted as a metaphor for being present and aware in one's life. The kiss represents a call to action, a reminder to pay attention to the little taps on the shoulder, the red flags, and the open doors that life presents. It is a call to harness self-awareness and notice the physical and emotional cues that guide us toward living a more fulfilling life.
The prince, as the embodiment of the present moment, is always there, whispering in our ear, waiting for us to wake up and embrace the now. However, it is up to us to choose to wake up and pay attention. We can either sleepwalk through life, missing the opportunities and lessons that present themselves, or we can choose to be awake and aware, embracing each moment with fierce clarity.
In the story, the prince's kiss serves as a catalyst for Sleeping Beauty's awakening. Similarly, in our lives, we can view these moments of awakening as opportunities to break free from our own mental or emotional slumbers. By recognizing and responding to the subtle cues and signs around us, we can take control of our lives and write our own stories.
The prince, as the present moment, is a reminder that we have the power to wake up and live consciously. It is a call to embrace the present, to be mindful of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to make the most of every moment, just as Sleeping Beauty's tale encourages us to do.
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Sleeping Beauty's lack of consent
The tale of Sleeping Beauty has been adapted by many storytellers, including Disney, Charles Perrault, and the Brothers Grimm. While the details vary across these retellings, one common element is the prince's kiss that wakes Sleeping Beauty from her slumber. This element of the story has sparked debates about Sleeping Beauty's lack of consent, as she is unconscious when the prince kisses her.
In the original tale, "Sun, Moon, and Talia," by Basile, the story takes a disturbing turn, as Sleeping Beauty, or Talia, gives birth to twins while still unconscious and only wakes up when one of the twins sucks on her finger, removing the splinter that caused her sleep. This version has been criticized as a ""disgusting rape tale."
In the more well-known adaptations by Disney, Perrault, and the Brothers Grimm, the kiss itself may be interpreted differently. Some argue that the prince's kiss in these versions is not a sign of entitlement but rather a gesture of admiration and tribute. For example, in Perrault's version, the prince regards Sleeping Beauty with "wonder and admiration" before kissing her, and her response upon waking is enthusiastic and empowered.
However, the fact remains that Sleeping Beauty does not give explicit consent to the kiss, as she is unconscious. This lack of consent has been a point of contention, with some arguing that it sets a problematic precedent, especially in the context of other fairytales' treatment of women. It contributes to the idea that a woman needs to be rescued by a man, perpetuating a passive female stereotype.
While the kiss in Sleeping Beauty may be romanticized in these stories, it is important to recognize the underlying implications of such a narrative device. Sleeping Beauty's lack of consent, whether intentional or not, has influenced generations of young girls, who may internalize the idea that their happiness depends on a prince coming to their rescue. This fantasy can distract from the importance of self-awareness and personal agency in real-life relationships.
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The prince as a metaphor for self-actualisation
The story of Sleeping Beauty is a complicated fairytale, especially when it comes to its treatment of women. In the tale, the prince is often regarded as the saviour who wakes the princess with a kiss, which has been criticised as an entitled male action. However, the prince can be interpreted as a metaphor for self-actualisation, a call to "wake up" and take control of one's life.
In the story, the prince represents the power of the present moment and the potential for personal transformation. He symbolises the opportunity to awaken from the "sleep" of our mundane existence and embrace a more fulfilling life. The kiss, therefore, becomes a metaphor for taking action and seizing the moment. It is about recognising the "taps on the shoulder" and the "open doors" that life presents, and choosing to walk through them.
The prince, in this context, embodies the potential for self-actualisation and personal growth. He is the whisper urging us to pay attention to our breath, our physical sensations, and the restlessness we feel when we pause in our busy lives. By noticing these moments, we can become more aware of ourselves and our surroundings, and make conscious choices to create a more meaningful existence.
In the tale, the prince's kiss awakens the princess, and her response is one of recognition and tenderness. This can be seen as a metaphor for embracing self-actualisation. By waking up, the princess symbolises the empowerment that comes from taking control of one's life and making conscious choices. She recognises the prince, indicating a sense of familiarity and comfort with her own potential and the path towards self-improvement.
The prince, therefore, serves as a reminder to be mindful and present in our daily lives. He urges us to pay attention to the little moments and the feelings they evoke, and to make the most of the opportunities that arise. By doing so, we can write our own stories of transformation and self-actualisation, just as the princess awakens to a new understanding of herself and her world.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty, Aurora wakes up after being kissed by Prince Phillip.
After Sleeping Beauty, also known as Aurora, wakes up, she smiles at Phillip without saying a word.
Other versions of the story include "Sun, Moon, and Talia", "The Sleeping Beauty in the Woods" by Charles Perrault, and "Little Briar Rose" by the Brothers Grimm.
Fairytales are often controversial due to their treatment of women, and Sleeping Beauty is no exception. The story has been criticised for its implication that the prince's kiss is consensual, as Sleeping Beauty is unconscious at the time.
