Fairy Tales

The author consistently references fairy tales in an effort to rebut the universal premise that life as royalty involves only privilege, wealth, and happy endings. Certainly Daphne has bought into this myth to such an extent that she is willing to do anything to become a princess. However, Beatrice's reality harshly contrasts the myths regarding royalty. Beatrice abhors the theater and novels due to their contrived, romanticized endings. In fact, these works feel "deceitful to her-this story about a princess who drove the action, who got to make choices" when "the life of a princess was decided for her" (131). In contrast, Daphne believes it "was wonderful to be a princess" and this is why she is determined to become one (28). Yet her blind ambition turns her into the antithesis of a princess and in some ways her behavior mimics the archetypal witch, determined to foil...