The
Snow Child
Learning Objective
How does Carter use
symbolism within the
story?
KEY TERM: Allegory
A story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden
meaning, typically a moral or political one.
How is a feminist message contained within
‘The Snow Child’...?
Exam Mark Scheme : Band 6 (A)
Band 6
34-40
AO2 Exploration and analysis of key aspects of language with
perceptive evaluation of how they shape meanings
AO3 Perceptive consideration of different interpretations of texts with sharp
evaluation of their strengths and weakness and with excellent selection of
supportive references
AO4 Excellent understanding of ways of contextualising gothic
The Gothic
The concept of ‘the Gothic’ has woven itself into our culture,
past and present, in many ways and at many levels, and ours is
an age in which gothic culture occupies a significant place.
Some elements include:
• A fondness for the symbols of darkness and light – literally and
metaphorically
• A significant use of the setting
• The creation of fear as a narrative priority
• A fascination with the influence of the past
• A difference between male and female roles which themselves
often follow particular conventions
• A blurring of reality and fantasy, being awake and dreaming
within the tales
• A tendency for certain psychological traits to occur within the
main character
Form
• The Bloody Chamber is made up of short stories, which maximise
the impact of the stories’ messages.
 The Snow Child is the shortest of the stories and is
written as a vignette, the shortness of which makes it
poignant and increases its impact to disturb the reader.
• The stories are re-worked fairy tales, though Carter herself claimed
they were not “versions” but “new stories”.
Which fairy tale does Carter draw on within ‘The Snow Child’?
What ideas do you associate with this fairytale?
Context
• Many of the stories can be linked to wider feminist messages
(For example, the image of the bloody chamber in the story of
that name could be seen as a representation of the spiritual
or physical death of the woman through childbirth and
marriage). Angela Carter was herself a feminist.
• The metamorphoses in the stories also seem to be criticising
society’s imposition of gender roles through patriarchy.
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The
Snow Child’...?
What details can you pick out about the setting from the first
paragraph and how can they inform a ‘Gothic’ reading of this story?
‘Midwinter – invincible, immaculate.’
‘Fresh snow fell on snow already fallen;
when it ceased, the whole world was white.’
‘They come to a hole in the snow; this hole
is filled with blood.’
The Snow Child
• The story begins in a typical fairy tale fashion by setting the scene by
locating it in time but is uninviting: “midwinter” also – power of nature
(see below) through pathetic fallacy.
• The alliteration of “invincible, immaculate” exaggerates the extremity of
the weather – link to the sublime.
• ‘Fresh snow fell on snow already fallen; when it ceased, the whole
world was white.’ Setting disorientates the reader, also implies place
that represents purity and virginity. Alliteration lulls, confuses,
mystery, dramatic?
• ‘They come to a hole in the snow; this hole is filled with blood.’ an
imperfection on the blank canvas, possible link to female
menstruation, sexual maturity etc.
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The Snow Child’...?
The
Snow Child
Learning Objective
How does Carter use
symbolism within the
story?
KEY TERM: Allegory
A story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden
meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Feminism in a nutshell
Patriarchy is a social system in which the role of the
male as the primary authority figure is central to society.
It implies the institutions of male rule and dominance,
and is dependent on female subordination.
Feminism is a political project which seeks to
challenge this power structure and change the roles
and perceptions of women by bringing these
perceptions to light or by attempting to subvert them.
Feminists want women to be depicted as equal to
men, physically capable, mentally and emotionally
independent, smart, career driven...
Think ‘Kill Bill’, ‘Crouching Tiger’, ‘Lady Gaga’...
•
Feminist theory, which emerged from these feminist
movements, aims to understand the nature of gender
inequality by examining women's social roles and lived
experience; it has developed theories in a variety of
disciplines in order to respond to issues such as the social
construction of sex and gender. Some of the earlier forms
of feminism have been criticised for taking into account
only white, middle-class, educated perspectives. This led to
the creation of ethnically specific or multiculturalist forms
of feminism.
•
Feminist activists campaign for women's rights – such as in
contract law, property, and voting – while also promoting
bodily integrity, autonomy, and reproductive rights for
women. Feminist campaigns have changed societies,
particularly in the West, by achieving women's suffrage,
gender neutrality in English, equal pay for women,
reproductive rights for women (including access to
contraceptives and abortion), and the right to enter into
contracts and own property. Feminists have worked to
protect women and girls from domestic violence, sexual
harassment, and sexual assault. They have also advocated
for workplace rights, including maternity leave, and against
forms of discrimination against women. Feminism is mainly
focused on women's issues, but because feminism seeks
gender equality, some feminists argue that men's liberation
is a necessary part of feminism, and that men are also
harmed by sexism and gender roles.
How does Carter
use it? USE QUOTES
Look at the language used to describe the Countess.
What does she symbolise and how is this shown?
What does the Snow Child symbolise and how is this
shown?
What does the Count symbolise and how is this
shown?
How does the Countess attempt to ‘get rid’ of the girl
and why is this significant?
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The Snow Child’...?
Look at the language used to
describe the Countess. What
does she symbolise and how
is this shown?
The Count and his wife go riding, he on a grey mare
and she on a black one, she wrapped in the glittering
pelts of black foxes; and she wore high, black, shining
boots with scarlet heels, and spurs.
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The Snow Child’...?
What does the Snow Child symbolise and how
is this shown?
As soon as he completed her description, there she stood,
beside the road, white skin, red mouth, black hair and stark
naked; she was the child of his desire and the Countess hated
her.
The word desire is ambiguous, how might
it be interpreted?
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The Snow Child’...?
The
Snow Child
Learning Objective
How can we evaluate
Carter’s use of language to
shape meanings?
KEY TERM: Allegory
A story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden
meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Exam Mark Scheme : Band 6 (A)
Band 6
34-40
AO2 Exploration and analysis of key aspects of language with
perceptive evaluation of how they shape meanings
AO3 Perceptive consideration of different interpretations of texts with sharp
evaluation of their strengths and weakness and with excellent selection of
supportive references.
AO4 Excellent understanding of ways of contextualising gothic
What does the Count symbolise and how is
this shown?
The Count’s wishes are granted
immediately, what genre does this
link with?
‘I wish I had a girl as white as snow’ says the Count. They ride
on. They come to a hole in the snow; this hole is filled with
blood. He says: ‘I wish I had a girl as red as blood.’ So they
ride on again; here is a raven, perched on a bare bough. ‘I
wish I had a girl as black as that bird’s feather.’
How can we evaluate Carter’s use of language
to shape meanings?
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The Snow Child’...?
How does the Countess attempt to ‘get rid’ of
the girl and why is this significant?
How can we evaluate Carter’s use of language
to shape meanings?
The Countess dropped her glove in the snow and told the girl to get
down to look for it; she meant to gallop off and leave her there but
the Count said: ‘I’ll buy you new gloves.’ At that, the furs sprang off
the Countess’s shoulders and twined round the naked girl.’
‘Now the Countess was bare as bone and the girl furred and booted;
the Count felt sorry for his wife.’
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The Snow Child’...?
What can we say is symbolic about
the picking of the rose?
They came to a bush of roses, all in flower. ‘Pick me
one,’ said the Countess to the girl. ‘I can’t deny
you that,’ said the Count.
So, the girl picks a rose; pricks her finger on the
thorn; bleeds, screams, falls.’
How can we evaluate Carter’s use of language
to shape meanings?
2.
What could the act of necrophilia
symbolise?
Weeping, the Count got off his horse, unfastened
his breeches and thrust his virile member into the
dead girl. The Countess reined in her stamping
mare and watched him, narrowly; he was soon
finished.
How can we evaluate Carter’s use of language
to shape meanings?
Group Discussion
1. What can we say is symbolic about the
picking of the rose?
Devious: typical fairytale deception that conceals a murderous intent. The Countess is clever.
Rose = embodiment of natural beauty, thorn = the pain of loving. The girl is supernatural
so is killed by the power of natural beauty – link to the sublime and feminism here. The
Count fails to protect his child – loses his power. Males desires are unnatural.
2. What could the act of necrophilia symbolise?
‘Weeping’ – Is the Count mourning the loss of is perfect woman, can this link to society at the
time? Prick of the thorn takes the story in a new direction – sex. The Countess watches
him, why? Perhaps implies that women know men would rather indulge in dead fantasies
than real women. ‘He was soon finished’ reveals a contempt at his sexual performance,
humour, makes her seem more powerful and he, less of a man.
How is a feminist message contained within ‘The
Snow Child’...?
The conclusion
Learning Objective
How does Carter
use symbolism
within the story?
1. What happens to the two female characters in the last
paragraph?
2. ‘It bites!’ she said. Ambiguous? What different
interpretations are there? Can we link them to feminism?
How can we evaluate Carter’s use of
language to shape meanings?
How is a feminist message
contained within ‘The Snow
Child’...?
Then the girl began to melt. Soon there was nothing left of
her but a feather a bird might have dropped; a bloodstain,
like the trace of fox’s kill on the snow; and the rose she had
pulled off the bush. Now the Countess had all her clothes
on again. With her long hand, she stroked her furs. The
Count picked up the rose, bowed and handed it to his wife;
when she touched it, she dropped it.
‘It bites!’ she said.
How can we evaluate Carter’s use of language
to shape meanings?
What does the story symbolise?
• The entire story could be seen as an allegory for the transitory
nature of male desire, with the short-lived girl representing
the male fantasy, while the Countess’ victory represents the
triumph of feminism or ‘real women’.
Next lesson you will write your answer
How far do you agree that ‘The Snow Child’ is a
story that supports a feminist viewpoint ?
Today: Plan your points
Exam Mark Scheme : Band 6 (A)
Band 6
34-40
AO2 Exploration and analysis of key aspects of language with
perceptive evaluation of how they shape meanings
AO3 Perceptive consideration of different interpretations of texts with sharp
evaluation of their strengths and weakness and with excellent selection of
supportive references.
AO4 Excellent understanding of ways of contextualising gothic
Exam Mark Scheme : Band 6 (A)
Band 6
34-40
AO1 Use of appropriate critical vocabulary and technically fluent style/well
structured and coherent argument
AO1 Always relevant with very sharp focus on task and confidently ranging
around texts
AO2 Exploration and analysis of key features of form and structure with
perceptive evaluation of how they shape meanings
AO2 Exploration and analysis of key aspects of language with perceptive
evaluation of how they shape meanings
AO3 Detailed and perceptive understanding of issues raised in connecting
texts through concept of gothic
AO3 Perceptive consideration of different interpretations of texts with sharp
evaluation of their strengths and weakness and with excellent selection of
supportive references
AO4 Excellent understanding of ways of contextualising gothic
AO4 Excellent understanding of a range of other contextual factors with
specific, detailed links between context/text/task
Carter’s use of the Gothic Conventions
Gothic Setting
Generally sticks to conventional Gothic settings – isolated castle, forest, graveyard but often used symbolically –
the forest used as a metaphor for a girl moving towards adulthood with all its fears and dangers or the threat of
the wilderness beyond human civilisation.
Often used to explore class – Gothic horror stories tended to be ‘blue-blood’ horror – focused on the aristocracy –
but not all of Angela Carter’s stories are about the upper-class – many use a more humble, everyday setting, more
typical of a fairy tale – also focused on the lives of the working class.
Gothic Characters
Female Stereotypes – previous Gothic texts place women as the object – often stereotype of victim or predator –
or absent all together. Women characters often used as plot device to present fear or showed male fears of the
strong, dominant woman who were portrayed as a predator and punished.
Carter places women at the centre of the text – texts such as Werewolf are female dominated. She explores the
use of women as victims and creates a brave, unafraid girl. She explores the use of the female predator and the
prejudice surrounding this.
The Male Protagonist – men become the ‘other’ in the text.
Explores the macho stereotype men have had to fit – Wolf-Alice helps to reveal the count’s true self through
caring for him.
Explores male violence towards women – rape, sado-masochism, power relationships.
Explores sexual aggression and illicit desires.
Carter explores the ambiguities, oppositions and discomfort of the Gothic
In the 1970s when Angela Carter wrote the stories, feminists often presented women as victims of male
aggression but Carter felt this was a limiting factor in the feminist perspective, she wanted to explore how women
might respond to violence and threat in a new way; her stories explore how this might be achieved. She said ‘no
daughter of mine should ever be in a position to be able to write BY GRAND CENTRAL STATION I SAT DOWN AND
WEPT, exquisite prose though it might contain. (BY GRAND CENTRAL STATION I TORE OFF HIS BALLS would be more
like it, I should hope.)’.
The Supernatural character – she uses traditional Gothic supernatural elements but changes the perspective to
give us a different view – the female vampire, the werewolf rather than the wolf. Transformation also key –
human/animal.