(Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego, 2024-12) Matuszko, Kinga
The aim of the article is to discuss the changes authors introduce in contemporary retellings of fairy tales. The main focus is on (re)defining the role of women. Attention is drawn to the pseudo-feminist message of the novels. It is indicated that pseudo-feminism appears to adopt feminist ideas and attitudes, but in reality it does not contribute to promoting true gender equality and instead becomes a marketing tool. Such a strategy is based on the insincere or superficial use of feminism in order to gain popularity and profit without real commitment to improving the situation of women. The following works are analysed: The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill and Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales by Soman Chainani.
