Point of View

“The Twelve Working Princesses” is told from the first-person point of view using the “I” pronoun, although it shares common elements with fourth-person narratives (collective voices that use “we”). This primary perspective becomes apparent in the first stanza, when the speaker references “My sisters and I” (Line 13). The blurring of first- and fourth-person pronouns highlights the way the speaker identifies as both a collective — a group of sisters, and of royal eligible maidens — and an individual. Additionally, the speaker’s voice is fairly objective; utilitarian, rather than angry or accusing. They allow the reader space to interpret the simplicity of their statements.

Language and Meaning

The language in this poem is left intentionally simple and unobtrusive, mimicking the language of classic fairy tales. There is very little to challenge the average reader; although the tone of the story best resonates with contemporary women, the voice...