Semiotic study of fairy tale characters in break your glass slippers by Amanda Lovelace

This study examines the representation of fairy-tale characters in Amanda Lovelace’s book, a poetry collection, Break Your Glass Slippers, through the lens of Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory. Drawing on Barthes’ concepts of denotation, connotation, and myth, this research explores how familiar fairy-tale figures are reconstructed to convey new meanings within contemporary feminist poetry. This study demonstrates that Break Your Glass Slippers reconstructs fairy-tale myths to question patriarchal narratives and emphasize themes of self-worth, independence, and emotional growth. By dismantling traditional fairy-tale expectations, Lovelace’s poetry invites readers to redefine empowerment beyond externally imposed ideals of happiness and fulfilment.