SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF CHARACTERS’FUNCTIONS IN THE SHORT STORY “HANSEL AND GRETEL”, COMPILED BY THE GRIMM BROTHERS

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the tale “Hansel and Gretel”, as it was compiled by the Grimm Brothers, applying Propp’s theory (2001) to fairy tales, as studied in the Literature and Semiotics classes of the Bachelor’s Degree in Portuguese Language and Literature at the Universidade Estadual do Ceará (Uece). We thus aim to identify and exemplify the narrative functions proposed by this theorist in the tale, discussing the role and evolution of the characters. We also use studies such as those by Greimas (1987) and Tatar (2002) to support our considerations. The analysis revealed the presence of Propp’s narrative functions in this tale, identifying the dynamics between the main characters. The integrated approach allowed us to explore the psychological and social dynamics present in it, considering aspects such as gender, power and parental responsibility. We conclude that the cultural and temporal adaptations of fairy tales highlight the continued relevance of those narratives in contemporary society and that, although Propp's theory (2001) provides a basis for the analysis of fairy tales, the critical analysis of family and social dynamics demands that we have more precise models to describe characters in current, contemporary contexts.