| This thesis explores the intersection of fairy tales with late twentieth and early twenty-first century science fiction - specifically, the reimagining of classic fairy tales within science fictional settings. I will begin with an overview of the ways in which fairy tales and science fiction seem particularly well-suited for such an endeavor, in terms of similarity of common themes, structure, and narrative device. Next, I will examine two recent examples: Caitlin R. Kiernan's "The Road of Needles," and Tanith Lee's "Beauty," noting deviations from the traditional source material and highlighting the ways in which the original stories have been updated for modern audiences. Finally, I will offer several of my own stories that reimagine fairy tales in science fiction settings: "Curiosity," a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," "I Dream the Snowfall, the Red Earth of Mars," a retelling of "Snow White," and "Match Girl," a retelling of "The Little Match Girl.". |
