Peter Nguyen

Professor Haas
Writing 39B
24 February 2016
The Sleeper and the Spindle
The Sleeper and the Spindle, a novella written by Neil Gaiman, is a mashup of two very
well known classic fairy tales, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, but with a significant plot
twist at the end. Traditionally, fairy tales have been passed down for generations through oral
tradition before first written down in 16th century Italy. Despite their geographical and temporal
differences, these stories usually had similarities between all of them, such as common cultural
motifs, precautionary lessons, etc. The Sleeper and the Spindle takes these established fairy tale
conventions and reimagines them in order to appeal to a 21st century audience. This audience
mainly consists of younger and older adults who appreciate fairy tales or know the stories of
Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. These two previously mentioned tales serve as a record
that reflects the attitudes during their time periods and places of origin, which are 17th century
France and 19th century Germany, respectively. During these times, women were considered to
be weak and had to depend on men for financial stability. They were trained and expected to
cook, clean, and raise the children while the men were busy working to provide for the family.
Due to these perceptions and expectations of women and the fact that the wife didnt contribute
economically to the family finances, there was a definite lessening of her status within society
(Fisher). Fast forward to the 21st century and these societal norms toward women have
significantly changed, so much that they would be considered extremely liberal in terms of 17th
and 19th century standards. Women in these time periods were regularly barred from attending

schools, obtaining jobs, and doing anything besides being faithful housewives to their husbands.
All of this changed with historical events such as the Suffragette movement and the passage of
the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Since then, the societal norm has
shifted from women being subservient to men to women being their equal, well for the most part
at least. With such changes to the standards of society, Gaiman accordingly makes changes to
several fairy tale conventions in order for this story to likewise reflect the contemporary values
of its people just like the other two tales do. The two conventions that have been most noticeably
changed are the struggle to achieve autonomy and the drive to be the most beautiful. Throughout
the centuries, women have been considered to be subservient to men, but Neil Gaimans The
Sleeper and the Spindle dares to defy these antiquated expectations in order to appeal to the next
generation of fairy tale readers and does so by changing how the audience should perceive a
womans struggle to achieve autonomy and drive to be the most beautiful.
Gender roles for women have traditionally been accepted to include cooking, cleaning,
and rearing children. In the Brothers Grimms tale, Snow White, the titular character is seen
serving the seven dwarfs by accepting to cook, sew, make beds, wash, and knit, and keep
everything clean and orderly, and in return, she will have everything that [she] want[s]
(Grimm). This sounds uncannily similar to a marriage, and it is a message that is implied to its
audience, some of which are young girls who will grow up listening to such subliminal
messages. In contrast to this, The Sleeper and the Spindle provides the message that women can
be strong figures who can go on adventures to faraway lands in order to deal with problems
themselves. The story challenges the notion that women should grow up dreaming of the perfect
man that they will one day marry, aspiring only to be his loyal housewife. Instead, the story
shows a strong, independent woman in charge of her own kingdom, and when the kingdom

nearby is struck with a plague that causes sleep in its subjects, she does not simply call for a man
to solve the problem. Rather, she elected herself to embark on the dangerous adventure, opposing
the belief that women are always dependent on men for everything. Also, ever since education
was made free and public to everyone, women have had the chance to excel in a field that have
been prohibited to them up until then. This change in society is reflected in how the dwarfs say to
the queen, You are very wise...You always were wise (Gaiman). Another perception, or
misconception, of women is that they are prone to temptation, which goes all the way back to
Eve taking the apple from the devil serpent. This was paralleled in Snow White when she
continually opens the door for stepmother, leading up to the third time when she gave her a
poisoned apple. These two changes point to a counterpart that is obviously smarter and strongerwilled than before, dispelling a lot of the negative characteristics that were attributed to women.
Near the end of the story, the queen thinks to herself that, There are choices, and then They
walked east, all four of them, away from the sunset and the lands they knew, and into the night
(Gaiman). This largely differs from the traditional ending to Snow White that everyone is
accustomed to, where she is found and awakened by her prince and then marries him. Back then,
marriage is usually followed by economic stability, especially marriage to royalty. In the case of
the usual fairy tale, the princess would get married and live in a huge castle happily ever after
without a worry for anything. In The Sleeper and the Spindle, she forwent her wedding in favor
of going on an adventure to the land in the east and being able to make her own decision about
her future. In the beginning of the story, the queen is greatly concerned that the wedding would
be the end of her life...if life was a time of choices (Gaiman). Girls back in the 17th and 19th
centuries would never think of forgoing marriage because it meant that they would have no other
way to support themselves financially, an economic suicide. The inclusion of the quote from The

Sleeper and the Spindle shows how the modern woman has more options than just getting
married and being a housewife for the rest of her life.
The Sleeper and the Spindle explores another fairy tail convention, and that is the vice of
striving to be the most beautiful. In the story, the evil witch, who became the young girl, tricks
the young princess and steals her youth and dreams at the cost of everyone in the kingdom and
beyond falling asleep. This shows that the old witch wanted to be beautiful and did everything in
her power to achieve that goal. This act of horrendous proportions is an epitome of her
overwhelming evil, and the worst part is that this premeditated act of villainy is not followed by
as much as a hint of remorse or regret. All of this is done just so that she can once again regain
her youth and thus her beauty. This is actually quite understandable to some extent because
beauty is all a woman had back then, and they were judged based on it. This meant that beauty
was power since the value of a woman was determined by how beautiful they were. One study
states that beauty is one of the major means by which adolescent girls and women gain social
status and self-esteem, and that women are aware that beauty counts heavily with men and
they therefore work hard to achieve it (Baker-Sperry). This, in a way, does provide somewhat
sufficient motivation for what the evil witch did. With this said, though, the evil witch did go
through extreme measures in a blind attempt to be more beautiful. She was successful in gaining
back her beauty, but she could not use it in any meaningful way as she was confined to her sleep.
In contrast to this, the Snow White doppelganger is never mentioned as beautiful or associated
with the word beauty, which represents a modern woman who does not need to conform to the
outdated expectations of women. Ever since 1866, the suffrage movement campaigned to get
women the vote, as well as increased employment and educational opportunities for women,
reform of married womens property law, more equitable divorce laws, and repeal of the

Contagious Diseases Acts, which subjected alleged prostitutes to examination for venereal
disease to some success (Emsley). Even with minimal success, this movement jump-started the
era of womens rights, which culminated in legislation such as the 19th Amendment, which gave
women the right to vote in the United States. This gave women the ability to make their own
choices and decide their own fate by voting for legislation that was more favorable toward
females. With this came the ability to support themselves without reliance on a man, enabling
their independence. The evil act committed by the witch reflects the old societal norms, and in
the end, she symbolically dies, ending with her the gross expectation that women should strive to
and do everything in their power to be beautiful.
All of these changes for women can be attributed to the Suffragette Movement in
England and the 19th Amendment in the United States, which gave women the right to vote and
thus the power to decide their own fate. This led to women having the choice to leave the
household in search for jobs and opportunities. At the rate of change that women have
experienced, The Sleeper and the Spindle only further expresses the idea that women can be
strong and independent and do not have to rely on or be a housewife to a man, especially when
there are an abundant amount of options to choose from that the previous generations of women
could only dream about.

Works Cited
Baker-Sperry, Lori, and Liz Grauerholz. "The Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine
Beauty Ideal in Children's Fairy Tales." North Seattle Community College. Sage
Publications, Inc. Web. 24 Feb. 2016.
<http://facweb.northseattle.edu/avoorhies/Gender/Readings/Culture/Pervasiveness and
persistence of the feminine beauty ideal in fairy tales.pdf>.
Emsley, Clive, Tim Hitchcock, and Robert Shoemaker. "The Proceedings of the Old Bailey."
Historical Background. Web. 24 Feb. 2016.
Fisher, Anita L. "WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE CLASS IN THE 19TH CENTURY." History 253.
Web. 24 Feb. 2016.
<http://web.clark.edu/afisher/HIST253/lecture_text/WomenMiddleClass_19c_Europe.pdf
>.

REVIEW BY:

1. ETHOS: EXPERTISE
Expert knowledge of the topic, the genre, and the texts being analyzed
(and of the texts used as sources) throughout the essay.
Clear knowledge of texts being analyzed and of texts used as sources;
sometimes illustrates expert knowledge.
Generally good grasp of texts being analyzed and texts being used as
sources throughout the essay.
Intermittent or inconsistent familiarity with texts being analyzed and/or
texts used as sources; may offer misrepresentations or misreading

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Generally good grasp of texts being
analyzed and texts being used as sources throughout the essay) The introduction
was a bit shaky, but I was able to understand based on the historical context that you
mentioned in the introduction. You did provide excerpts of the texts, from The Sleeper
and the Spindle to Snow White, but if you can explain a little bit more on how that
reflect to a specific era that you will mention; I could see parts of the paragraphs as a
comparison with the modern tale with the classic tales, which is good.

2. ETHOS: OBJECTIVE AND FORMAL VOICE

Word choice consistently creates an objective and formal voice, which is
expected by a scholarly audience
Word choice usually creates an objective and formal voice
Word choice sometimes creates an objective and formal voice.
Word choice only occasionally or rarely creates an objective and formal
voice; frequently colloquial and/ or opinionated.

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Word choice sometimes creates an

objective and formal voice) When I was reading your analysis paragraphs, I stumbled
upon some awkward phrasing and words that I was not sure if it made sense. You can
read the paragraphs aloud to be sure if each sentence of the paragraphs flow or
confuses the readers; the goal is to make the audience engaged on what you have to
discuss about in your essay.

3: THESIS
Thesis offers an exceptionally insightful idea that addresses the RA
prompt. It is specific, sophisticated, and eloquent
Thesis offers an insightful idea that addresses the RA prompt; it is specific,
sophisticated, and well-written.
Thesis offers an idea that competently addresses the RA essay prompt.
The thesis lacks insight or states the obvious or is extremely simplistic; the
thesis may not accurately address the RA essay prompt.

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Thesis offers an insightful idea that
addresses the RA prompt; it is specific, sophisticated, and well-written) When I
read your thesis statement, I was able to follow what genre conventions that you will
discuss about in your essay. You also gave historical context that will tie in to these
genre conventions, which shows continuity.

4. SOURCES: CREDIBILITY & RELEVANCE

Consistently uses sources that are credible and pertinent to the topic and
context in which they are used.
Usually uses sources that are credible and pertinent to the topic and
context in which they are used
Uses the required number of sources; the sources are credible and
pertinent to the topic
Shows little evidence of an attempt to refer to sources that are credible
and pertinent to the topic

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Uses the required number of sources;
the sources are credible and pertinent to the topic) In the first analysis paragraph, it
is good that you referred to the books to back up your claim, but I think you can find at
least one source. Otherwise, in the second analysis paragraph, I was able to find the
sources that ties in to the genre convention well.

5. SOURCES: SELECTION AND INTEGRATION

Consistently effective selection of source material, which shows an
excellent understanding of these texts; effective choices are made concerning
how writer introduces and situates sources.
Usually effective selection of source material, showing a good
understanding of the sources; good choices are made concerning how writer
introduces and situates sources.
Competent selection of source material; good choices were usually made
about introducing and situating sources

 Generally ineffective selection of source material; misunderstands,

misquotes, or misreads sources; ineffective or absent introduction and situation
of sources

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Usually effective selection of source

material, showing a good understanding of the sources; good choices are made
concerning how writer introduces and situates sources) You only quote the
necessary excerpts of the tale, but you should also introduce the other sources that you
provided in the second analysis paragraph.

6. ANALYSIS OF GENRE and HISTORICAL/CULTURAL CONTEXT

Consistently focused on analyzing how the text is shaped by its genre
and/or context; makes solid, insightful conclusions based on the analysis
Usually focused on analyzing how the text is shaped by its rhetorical
situation (genre, audience, and/or context); makes logical, accurate conclusions
based on the analysis.
Some focus on analyzing how the text is shaped by its genre and/or
context; an attempt at making conclusions based on the analysis. Some analysis
or the conclusions based on it may be vague, obvious, inaccurate, or
unconnected
Doesnt really attempt an analysis (may be all summary), or the majority of
the analysis is superficial and/or inaccurate. If conclusions are offered, they may
be disconnected from the analysis itself

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Some focus on analyzing how the text
is shaped by its genre and/or context; an attempt at making conclusions based
on the analysis. Some analysis or the conclusions based on it may be vague) In
the first analysis paragraph, I was still a bit confused on what you are trying to analyze
about the genre convention. Instead of just explaining the tale as the analysis, you can
give facts about the genre convention from the 21 st century, comparing to another
specified era.

7. ANALYSIS VS SUMMARY
Insightful analysis throughout; summary is expertly used to introduce and
develop the analysis
Moments of analytical insight; summary is used to introduce and develop
the analysis.
Analysis is logical (if obvious); summary may sometimes overpower
students own ideas
Analysis is used indiscriminately; summary often overpowers students
own ideas. Little evidence of analytic thinking

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Moments of analytical insight;

summary is used to introduce and develop the analysis) Throughout both your
analysis paragraphs, you included a brief summary of the modern tale, and you
mentioned only the main parts of the story of where the genre convention was found.
You just have to be coherent and not summarize the quote when you write an analysis.

8. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Throughout, analyzes specific and well-chosen excerpts from the text(s) or
specific elements of the texts historical/cultural situation.
Usually analyzes specific and well-chosen excerpts from the text(s) or
specific elements of the texts historical/cultural situation
Analyzes specific, although sometimes obvious, excerpts from the text or
elements from its historical/cultural situation.
Analysis is sometimes based on specific, although sometimes obvious,
excerpts from the text or its situation, but there is generally an absence of
analytical thought.

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Analyzes specific, although

sometimes obvious, excerpts from the text or elements from its historical/cultural
situation) In the second analysis paragraph, I followed along on the historical context
about beauty in women, but it got a bit confusing once you mentioned the quote of the
source about the suffrage movement. You have to make sure that you include a bit of
analytical thought after providing a quote of the source and be sure if the source
matches with the genre convention.

9. GRAMMAR & MECHANICS: READABILITY

Error-free, idiomatically and grammatically effective prose that is a
pleasure to read. Consistent control of mechanics (punctuation and spelling).
Almost always exhibits idiomatically and grammatically correct prose that
conveys meaning clearly; essay is easy to read. Almost always uses mechanics
correctly.

 Usually exhibits idiomatically and grammatically correct prose that usually

conveys meaning clearly; essay is readable. Mechanics are usually correct.
Grammatical errors, non-idiomatic sentence constructions, and/or
incorrect mechanics impede meaning; essay is difficult to read and must often be
decoded

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Usually exhibits idiomatically and

grammatically correct prose that usually conveys meaning clearly; essay is
readable. Mechanics are usually correct) After you finish editing an essay, it is better
to reread the essay to be sure if the sentences flows well and the word choice that you
provided fits to what it means in the sentence. I also noticed repetition in the
introduction paragraph when you mentioned about fairy tales and tradition:
Traditionally, fairy tales have been passed down for generations through oral tradition,
be cautious of not using the same words twice; omit traditionally or rewrite ...for
generations orally.

10. LANGUAGE: ELOQUENCE

Sentence structure, variety, style, and word choice effectively enhance the
reading experience
Sentence structure, variety, style, and word choice usually enhance the
reading experience
Sentence structure, variety, style, and word choice are competent and do
not detract from the reading experience
Sentence structure, variety, style, and word choice sometimes often
detract from the reading experience.

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Sentence structure, variety, style, and
word choice are competent and do not detract from the reading experience) There
are some sentences, such as the first analysis paragraph when you introduce the
sentence with also, that sounded a bit informal or awkward. Otherwise, the word
choice in the second analysis paragraph was stronger than the first analysis paragraph.

11. CONVENTIONS OF ORGANIZATION

Exceptional understanding of how to organize a scholarly essay: structure,
coherence, and flow.
Clearly competent understanding of how to organize a scholarly essay:
structure, coherence, and flow
Competent understanding of how to organize a scholarly essay: some
evidence of structure, coherence, and flow.
Understanding of the organizational conventions expected is extremely
simplistic or formulaic.

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Clearly competent understanding of

how to organize a scholarly essay: structure, coherence, and flow) I was able to
follow the flow when I read your essay, but be cautious when you are using transition
words. Be sure that you use the transition words correctly and coherently in a sentence.

12. CONVENTIONS OF FORMAT AND DOCUMENTATION

 Consistent use of correct MLA formatting and documentation throughout,

including title, font, line-spacing, margins, page-numbering, and correct in-text
citations and Works Cited.
Almost always correct use of MLA formatting and documentation.
Usually exhibits correct use of MLA formatting and documentation
MLA formatting and documentation may be present, but is usually applied
incorrectly

ADVICE FOR REVISION: (Proficiency level: Almost always correct use of MLA
formatting and documentation) At the Works Cited page, on the second source that
you use, I think you forgot to include the link to the website of where you found the
source. Otherwise, you did use in-text citation really well, as well as introducing the
source.