Marvelous Geometry: Narrative and Metafiction in Modern Fairy Tale

by Jessica Tiffin

In Marvelous Geometry Jessica Tiffin argues that within twentieth- and twenty-first-century Western literature there exists a diverse body of fairy-tale texts that display a common thread of metafictional self-awareness. The narrative pattern of these texts is self-conscious, overtly structured, variously fantastical, and, Tiffin argues, easily recognized and interpreted by modern audiences. In this broadly comparative study she explores contemporary fairy-tale fictions found in modern literature and live-action and animated film and television to explore fairy tale's ability to endlessly reinvent itself and the cultural implications of its continued relevance.

Tiffin's skilled analysis draws on the critical fields of postmodernism, narratological analysis, stucturalism, feminism, and performativity, without relying solely on any one perspective. She considers important fairy-tale retellings such as the feminist revisions of Angela Carter, the postmodern narratives of A. S. Byatt, as well as fairy tales written for children by James Thurber. She also investigates both popular and high-art films, contrasting Cocteau and Neil Jordan to Hollywood romances and Disney, and analyzes the differences between animated features and live-action productions. Finally, Tiffin uses a case study of the recent successful Shrek films to situate the fairy tale in the twenty-first century as an endlessly adaptable folk narrative that self-consciously and affectionately reflects generic structures and significant cultural assumptions.

Marvelous Geometry covers a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar primary texts from a novel and fruitful perspective. Tiffin's focus on the metafictional nature of the fairy tale turns readers' attention to the genre's narrative structure and aesthetic qualities without ever losing sight of the fairy tale's sociocultural impact as powerful marvelous narrative. Scholars of literary and fairy-tale studies will enjoy Tiffin's expansive analysis.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fairy Tales

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2009

Reviews

[Scarlett Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the main points of this book was about how fairy tales, most specifically 20th century and beyond adaptations of fairy tales, are inherently self-aware because they are consciously conforming to or rejecting specific expectations of the fairy tale genre. It was an interesting read; the main thing I would say is that this isn't an introductory text for the study of fairy tales. In addition to being familiar with the texts Tiffin is discussing (I wasn't, at least not with all of them), the reader should be familiar with Propp, Bettleheim, Zipes, and Aarne, just for background and a better understanding of what the author is talking about. Some level of familiarity with post-modernism is also a pre-requisite. If you're interested in a scholarly look at any of the topics in this book (Angela Carter, Terry Pratchett, Thurber, A.S. Byatt, and fairy tale film adaptation) I would check it out.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to agree with S. Sims review of the book. It does help if you are familiar with Propp, Zipes, and Arne as well as the works under discussion. It is not an introductory text. It is for people who have a good background in fairy tale criticism and are not just approaching the field.

That said, it does present some very good analysis of both Byatt and Carter, focusing solely on the both author's fairy tales. Those sections of the book were very engaging and are worth a read for another who is a fan of either woman.

I was somewhat less impressed with her reading of popular fiction and the use of the fairy tale. While I think it would be fair to acknowledge that much popular fantasy is slushy (or to use Tiffin's phrase in the ghetto), certain authors are not, and the field itself can be considered literature. In fact, Byatt and Carter can be said to write fantasy. And if we are using the term popular, Lee and Tepper are not as popular as other authors who make the best seller list. Her analysis on Lee, Tepper, and Pratchett is good; it is her approach to the fantasy as a whole that is a little off putting. Additionally, while she lists the fairy tale series by Datlow/Windling, she neglects to mention The Nightingale which is one of the best novels in the series.

Worth reading, however, for the analysis of Byatt and Carter alone.

[Kristy G. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that this looked at both high art fairy tales and popular art. Great insights. Was a bit annoyed with a couple typos, but that's the copyeditor in me.