REDEFINING HAPPY ENDINGS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON THE DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF HANSEL AND GRETEL

This study is qualitative in nature and employed content analysis. The study utilized Formalistic approach along with comparative analysis in identifying the similarities and differences of the plot, characters setting and theme and how happy endings were redefined in the selected versions of Hansel and Gretel entitled Hansel and Gretel (Grimm's Version), Johnnie and Grizzle, Baba Yaga, The Rose Tree and The Babes in the Woods. The results showed that the selected tales highlights poverty and scarcity as a reason for the parents to abandon Hansel and Gretel in the woods and their journey in the woods to the candy house and how defeated the witch and found their way back home. Some versions also present the tragic death of Hansel and Gretel. The selected versions portrayed Hansel as a smart, wise, determined, responsible, survivor, kind, obedient, loving, innocent and helpless little boy while Gretel is portrayed as a wise, naïve, kind, beautiful, obedient, innocent and helpless little girl. The story took place during the winter in their house, woods, candy house, Russia, Norfolk, England and Spring season. The themes of the versions used revolved around courage, cleverness, kindness, envy and its consequence and the inevitability of death. Some versions used ended happily but some did not. Some versions showed how they were able to overcome their struggles and in order to reach their happy endings, they have to rely on their courage and one another. They have to suffer first which is a prerequisite of reaching a happy ending whereas other versions showed how innocent and defenseless they were and it led to their tragic death.