Starting with snow white

 
 
 

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For my boys, Joe, Drew, & Finn 
 
 

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
Not unlike the folklore or fairy tale that this project centers on, this dissertation 
was crafted through the feedback, guidance, and support of several voices. My sincerest 
gratitude first to the members of my committee. Under the direction of Miles Orvell, 
Advisory Chair, I formed a vision for this project and began to mold a host of ideas into a 
well-researched work of scholarship that I can be proud of. I appreciate his every prompt 
reply, encouraging word, and measured remark geared toward making this project a 
stronger one. His insights were invaluable. James Salazar’s knowledge of the child in 
American literature too, was key. James continually encouraged me to see the larger 
historical and scholarly interests pertinent to this work of folkloric/fairy tale scholarship 
and to understand how and where my voice fit. Sue-Im Lee, from earlier coursework and 
through the duration of this project, has enabled me to cautiously re-view myself as a 
critic. Arguments positioned herein have thus been strengthened both through her 
suggestions, remarks, and questions, as well as her guidance ensuring that I become a 
more thoughtful and critical reader of my own work. Lastly, many thanks to Paul Swann, 
external reader from Film and Media Arts, for offering his time, thoughtful consideration, 
and expertise in support of this dissertation project. I am immensely thankful for the 
essential input of each of these voices and will take their advisement into my future work. 
The support of Temple University’s Writing Center (now Student Success Center) 
was also immensely helpful. Lorraine Savage and Lori Salem gave me a host of 
opportunities that were not only rewarding, but benefited my writing and further 
scholarly development, as well. In my roles as a writing tutor, mentor (for new tutors 

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and/or undergraduates), and academic coach, I continually adapted my writing, research, 
and strategies for success. Special thanks also to my colleagues at the Writing Center 
who listened and/or offered input or advice based on their experiences.
Temple University’s financial support through my work at the Writing 
Center/Student Success Center, in Placement Scoring (through Institutional Research and 
Assessment), and through a Doctoral Dissertation Completion Grant helped to make my 
commitment to this program and project possible. 
These resources together have proven essential, and equally so has been the 
unconditional support of my family. My mom and dad, Lindy and Mike DiLullo, have 
been ever-supportive of my every aim and goal. They have listened, offered advice or 
encouragement when the moment was right, and cared for my son, helping him to grow, 
while I engaged in this important work. Joe’s family too, particularly his mother, Anne, 
and Bill, have been advocates of mine and have also shared countless hours with my son, 
to enable the path toward this goal.
My “kids” have also sustained me. Drew cheered me on with his sing-song, 
“Heigh-ho” on many of my tougher days. Singing with him often helped me to more 
eagerly engage in the task ahead. Further, his genuine enthusiasm to hear about my work 
and thoughtful questions posed often guided me through revisions, enabling me to make 
arguments clearer and more explicit. What an astonishing almost-4-year old. Calliope, 
my dog, has also been a faithful partner, napping beside me, or on my books or laptop 
through nearly every phase of this work. And, as necessary, she has nudged my books 

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away, taking me on walks to clear my head or reframe my ideas. Finally, Finn, still 
growing inside, motivated me to press on through this last stretch. 
Last, but certainly not least, my husband, Joe, and I are a “team,” and as such, I 
could not possibly have begun or come to the close of this program and project without 
him. He listened, even when my words failed to make sense, offered advice (when I 
wanted it 
and 
when I didn’t), encouraged me, supported me, and continually reminded 
me of my own strength. A simple “thank you,” does not quite seem enough, but here, it 
will have to do. 
My sincerest appreciation to each of the voices that enabled this story/history to 
take shape. 
Special thanks, as well, to the library specialists at the Billy Rose Theatre 
Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts for their assistance with 
manuscripts of Marguerite Merington and Winthrop Ames.

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