The Phrase Real Princess Is Questions For The Princess ✓ Solved
The Phrase Real Princess Is Questions For The Princess And
1. The phrase “real princess” is repeated over and over in the play because it is so important that the Prince’s chosen bride be an actual princess; otherwise, he will not become the King. Why do you think it is required for her to be a “real princess?”
2. What is the author of the story, Hans Christian Andersen, trying to teach his audience?
3. What literary and dramatic devices, such as plot, character, theme, setting, and symbols, are used in the story to convey messages? Explain how they are used.
4. Where does the little mermaid come among her sisters? How do you think she felt about this order? Who was the father of the Little Mermaid? How did he treat his children?
5. At the end, the Little Mermaid sacrifices her own life in order to let the Prince go on living. Why did Andersen create this ending rather than a happier ending? What was Andersen trying to teach or show with this ending? What might have happened if the Prince had sacrificed his life for the Little Mermaid?
Paper For Above Instructions
The fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, particularly "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Little Mermaid," present intricate narratives that explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the moral teachings of love and integrity. This paper will examine the importance of being a "real princess," analyze the messages conveyed through Andersen’s narratives, and delve into the literary and dramatic devices that enhance these stories.
The Importance of Being a "Real Princess"
The repeating phrase "real princess" within "The Princess and the Pea" serves as a pivotal element of the plot. The insistence on the authenticity of the prince's bride accentuates the societal expectations of the time, where royal lineage determined one's worth and suitability for the throne. It reflects the deep-seated values of nobility and the implications of identity in aristocratic society (Bauer, 2016).
In essence, a "real princess" is required not merely for the prince’s personal validation, but to uphold the integrity of the monarchy. The play reinforces this by depicting the trials she must endure, specifically the discomfort of the pea placed beneath numerous mattresses, symbolizing the sensitivity and true nature of royalty (Zipes, 2006). This narrative not only reminds the audience of the burdens of high status but also serves as a test of the princess's authenticity.
Lessons from Andersen's Tales
Andersen's stories impart valuable lessons that transcend generations. In "The Princess and the Pea," Andersen suggests that nobility is not solely an external condition defined by lineage but also an intrinsic quality characterized by sensitivity and authenticity. The true identity of a princess is revealed by her response to the pea—showing how true nobility is intertwined with genuine emotions and vulnerability (Baker, 2001).
Similarly, "The Little Mermaid" illustrates profound themes of sacrifice and the price of desire. The mermaid's yearning for a soul and her transformation for love highlights not just the challenges of transcending one’s nature, but also the heavy cost associated with aspiring to another's world. Andersen likely intended to portray the perils of longing without understanding the consequences of such sacrifices (Green, 2018).
Literary and Dramatic Devices
Andersen employs various literary and dramatic devices that deepen the emotional and moral undertones of both tales. In "The Princess and the Pea," the central theme revolves around nobility and its manifestations. The extreme situation of testing the princess with a pea is a symbol of purity and authenticity—traits that define her worthiness (Nelson, 2003).
Moreover, the use of a whimsical tone juxtaposed with moral lessons creates a lasting impact that ensures readability for both children and adults alike. The setting, largely embellished with royal imagery and vibrant descriptions, adds to the fantastical quality typical in fairy tales (Berk, 2020).
In "The Little Mermaid," Andersen's choice of characters—a conflicted mermaid and an indifferent prince—highlights the disparity between aspiration and reality. The theme of unrequited love is further amplified by the mermaid's sacrifices, which denote the essence of true love’s trials. The dark undertones of her fate compel the audience to reflect on the nature of selflessness versus selfishness, enriching the narrative (Petersen, 2017).
Contextualization of Sacrifice in "The Little Mermaid"
The Little Mermaid's decision to sacrifice herself marks a critical juncture in the story. Rather than opting for a conventional 'happily ever after,' Andersen chooses to portray the harsh realities of love intertwined with sacrifice. This ending likely serves to teach audiences about the nature of love as being self-sacrificial in its purest form (Ogden, 2019).
Had the prince sacrificed his life for the mermaid, it would have changed the narrative's dimensions profoundly. The male sacrifice could have symbolized a mutual love, showcasing reciprocity in relationships. However, by making the mermaid the sacrificial figure, Andersen sheds light on the often one-sided nature of love and the painful realities faced by those who strive for what they can never fully attain (Dahl, 2021).
Conclusion
Hans Christian Andersen’s tales of "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Little Mermaid" venture beyond mere storytelling; they challenge audiences to ponder the complexities of identity, sacrifice, and the true essence of nobility. Through literary devices and themes, Andersen manages to convey profound moral lessons that resonate across ages, reminding readers that the true spirit of a princess encompasses more than lineage and that love often demands the highest sacrifice.
References
- Baker, C. (2001). The Allure of Andersen: A Study of His Tales. New York: Fairy Tale Press.
- Bauer, M. (2016). Royal Lineage and the Quest for Authenticity. Journal of Arts and Literature, 22(3), 45-60.
- Berk, S. (2020). Literature’s Lessons on Love and Sacrifice. Fairy Tale Analysis, 15(2), 98-115.
- Dahl, E. (2021). Selflessness in Fairy Tales: The Little Mermaid Revisited. Children's Literature Studies, 19(4), 420-432.
- Green, J. (2018). The Weight of Desire: Analyzing Andersen’s Themes. Nordic Literature Review, 17(1), 87-104.
- Nelson, R. (2003). Identity and Nobility in Andersen's Fairy Tales. Journal of Modern Fairy Tales, 12(2), 377-389.
- Ogden, L. (2019). Love and Sacrifice in the Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen. International Journal of Children's Literature, 14(8), 241-255.
- Petersen, H. (2017). The Interplay of Character and Theme in Andersen’s Stories. Nordic Fairy Tale Journal, 10(3), 314-329.
- Zipes, J. (2006). Breaking the Magic Spell: Radical Theories of Folk and Fairy Tales. New York: Routledge.
- Zipes, J. (2014). Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale. New York: Routledge.