Can somebody please read my college essay and give ANY sort of feedback? Im currently at almost 500 words and need it to be at least 1k :,,)
Or ANY advice on how to add more words without repeating myself or word vomiting?
(KEEP IN MIND THIS IS UNFINISHED AND NEEDS POLISHED)

Cultural Expectations in The Sleeper and the Spindle

In “The Sleeper and the Spindle” by Neil Gaiman, the story illustrates cultural expectations and values that are displayed in our society, as well as other societies. Even though they are fiction, fairy tales like “The Sleeper and the Spindle”, by Neil Gaiman, often reflect the cultural expectations and values of the time and place they were created in.

Neil Gaiman’s fairy tale, “The Sleeper and the Spindle”, focuses on a queen who is determined to save her kingdom, even if it means facing a curse that had once been bestowed onto her (Gaiman 52). Gaiman uses well known elements of classic fairy tales, such as a curse (Gaiman 18), the damsel in distress (Gaiman 33), and the expected heroic quest (Gaiman 66). Gaiman subverts these classic fairy tale elements to create a story that is unique, and a story that challenges known cultural expectations and elements. The queen represents many women in past, and present societies. “She wondered how she would feel to be a married woman. It would be the end of her life, she decided,” (Gaiman 14). The queen, like many other women in different cultures and societies, wants nothing to do with her predetermined, and unconsenting future as a married woman. ‘“You do know we’re heading east, don’t you?” said one of the drawfs. “Oh yes,” said the queen.’ (Gaiman 66). The queen chooses adventure and her friends over a traditional married life that is represented and seen in many well-known fairy tales.



Neil Gaiman challenges traditional gender roles by having the queen reflect heroic characteristics, be the one who defeats the villain, and the one who saves her kingdom (Gaiman 66). Fairy tales are often seen reflecting and illustrating the cultural expectations and values of many societies. In some cases, those cultural expectations and values are still relevant, and can still be seen today. “The Sleeper and the Spindle”, by Neil Gaiman is one of many different variations of “Cinderella”, originally written by Charles Perrault, which challenges many cultural expectations and values. Neil Gaiman’s fairy tale reflects cultural values such as feminism, independence, and kindness. These values however, are not as prevalent in the original “Cinderella” story, or any fairy tale with a female protagonist in the story.

PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!!!