When the mirror tells the stepmother that Snow White is more beautiful than she is, “the queen saw brown spots on her hand” (40). These “brown spots” symbolize the stepmother’s flaws and how she is no longer perfect in comparison to her stepdaughter. However, the stepmother only sees these flaws once she is told that she is no longer the fairest in the land. Brown spots are considered natural as a person ages, yet they are not thought of as being beautiful. It’s like the queen came to a sudden realization that she is getting older, compared to Snow White whom is young and pretty. (A. Harrison)
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Comments (1)
Tonya Howe said
at 1:28 am on Oct 27, 2008
Ooo! I really like the insightful comment that the "stepmother only sees these flaws once she is told that she is no longer the fairest in the land"--i.e. after she looks in the mirror. Can you do a bit more with this idea? Note your use of "how" in the second sentence, and remember not to rely on the word "perfect" without reason. Is there something more accurate you can say instead? "Whom"?
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