In a society unbridled by double standards and fixed views of women, one might wonder about the origins of such beliefs. It may be surprising that these ideals and standards are rooted and have been for centuries in the beloved fairy tales we enjoyed reading as children. In her analytical essay, “To Spin a Yarn: The Female Voice in Folklore and Fairy Tales,” Karen Rowe argues that fairy tales present “cultural norms that exalt passivity, dependence, and self-sacrifice as cardinal female virtues.” Rowe makes an excellent point, which can be supported by versions of the cult classics, “Cinderella” and “Snow White.” “The Glass Slipper” by Charles Perrault and “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm exemplify the belief that women should be docile, dependent on the male personality and willing to sacrifice themselves. In many cases, when strong female characters are presented, they are always contradictory in these characteristics, therefore labeled as evil. This is the case of Cinderella's stepsisters in “Cinderella” by Perrault and the stepmother in “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm. These female characters face judgment and disapproval when they commit the same acts as the male characters. With such messages ingrained in our beloved fairy tales, it is no wonder that society is rampant with these ideals about women and disapproves of women when they try to break free from this mold. A prolific example of the ideal female virtues depicted in fairy tales is Charles Perrault's “The Glass Slipper.” Perrault presents the ideal female fairy tale character through her interpretation of Cinderella. Cinderella is a docile and forgiving person who submits to the will of her father, stepmother and s... middle of paper... cardinal virtues." This canon is exemplified in multiple fairy tales, particularly "The Glass Slipper" by Charles Perrault and “Snow White” by the Brothers Grimm. These two fairy tales are the perfect embodiment of these ideal female virtues. Cinderella is passive and indulgent even if she is mistreated fairy tale In both cases the opposing women in the narratives are characterized as evil because they are strong and dominant. In the case of "Snow White" only the queen is despised when she tries to kill Snow White, while the huntsman is proclaimed a hero despite his intention to kill her. These standards and ideals demonstrate why our society is full of double standards and sets ideals that women should live up to..