What is the role of women in Sleeping Beauty?

Answer 1

In the case of the three faeries, they are protectors or guardians. They kept Briar Rose safe for many years even though she was not their own child. They looked after her well being and raised her from an infant shielding her from the curse. They really took on the roles of mother as well.

Maleficent was an aggressor who took her revenge out on those she felt slighted her upon a helpless infant who had nothing to do with the real reason behind her anger.

The queen was a victim who thought she was doing something to protect her child only to have it backfire. Her child was then taken away from her for 16 years.

Briar Rose was the dependent. She unknowingly depended on the faeries to keep her from the curse. She depended upon the prince to come and rescue her.