Sexton’s Snow White is neither witty nor clever. Her virtue lies in her trusting nature and her perfect adolescent beauty. She is referred to as a “dumb bunny” (117) that repeatedly opens the door for strangers. A "dumb bunny" serves as an insult with a gendered connotation. Bunnies are cute creatures but are generally passive in comparison to other pets. They are unlike rabbits, that are commonly described in stories as tricksters and witty. Snow White is passive and is easily manipulated. Dumb bunny is an insult directed at women in particular. The term "bunny" also brings forth the contemporary image of the cultural icon of the "playboy bunny" . The image describes a "perfect" female with few intellectual faculties, who's sole purpose is the service of men. Snow white is beautiful and fair but she is incapable of making good judgements in protecting her own well being and is content to clean house for the dwarves in exchange for their protection.(N. Kelliebrew)
Comments (2)
Athenna Harrison said
at 12:10 am on Oct 28, 2008
This is an awesome annotation! I really liked how you made the connection between Snow White and bunnies. I also like your reference to the "plaboy bunny."
Andrew Lewis said
at 1:14 pm on Oct 31, 2008
Cool annotation! I really appreciate your deep analysis of Snow White's character in Sexton's poem.
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