Through Ridicule and Torment: A Princess’s Guide to Happily Ever After
A noticeable trope in fairy tales is the frequent abuse that burdens the main character. Not only do these events prove their strength and kindness in the face of adversity but their success is longed for. One could argue, following the protagonist through hardships makes their happy ending that much more enjoyable. The underdog is constantly rooted for in real life and in many fairy tales. For instance, the classic tale of Cinderella by Brothers Grimm, Rough-Faced Girl by Rafe Martin and the iconic Harry Potter series all portray this theme.
Everyone knows the classic tale of Cinderella. A beautiful girl, whose face is streaked with soot, living a life of servitude under her step mother and sister. In the Grimm version the brothers stated that “the two sisters did everything imaginable to make her life miserable” (Grimm 148). Constantly undervalued and ridiculed, Cinderella’s one desire to attend the ball was laughed at, as she was forced to clean instead. After escaping to the ball and catching the attention of the famed prince, her step family refused to believe she was the one he desired. Marrying the prince and living happily ever after was arguably the perfect revenge after undergoing years of mistreatment.
See the Classic Fairy Tales by Maria Tartar page 148!
In the retelling of Cinderella titled “The Rough-Face Girl” the protagonist follows a similar burden of ill treatment. With two older sisters who were “cruel and hard hearted” they caused their little sister to be repeatedly wounded by the flames. They laughed at her scarred face and charred hair as “they made her life very lonely and miserable” (Rafe). Regardless of their scorn, the rough faced girl had the ability to see the invisible prince unlike her sisters, who lied about their visions. Honesty, a hardworking demeanor and kind soul was paired with a beautiful appearance as the scars vanished and the rough faced girl married the coveted prince. This ending was not only well deserved but a feel good moment for the audience as they witness a character rise above her circumstances.
https://youtu.be/LIonWVivH54 Listen to the audio of The Rough Faced Girl here!
Following the death of his mother and father, Harry Potter was taken in by cruel family members named the Dursley’s who are similar to the evil families described in fairy tales. Although most people are familiar with the Harry Potter series, some might not know that the aunt (Petunia Dursley) despised her sister Lily (Harry’s mom) for her magical abilities and her husbands (Harry’s dad) wizardly beliefs. Due to jealousy and animosity, the now parental guardian of Harry forced him to live in a cupboard under the stairs while their biological son was pampered. The Dursley’s hid acceptance letters from Harry denying him of the opportunity to follow his destiny. When he finally was able to attend Hogwarts that marked the start to his incredible wizard journey.
Learn more here https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/24/jk-rowling-reveals-history-dursleys-harry-potter#img-1
Ultimately, a tale where the heroine or hero overcomes every obstacle thrown at them and even the greatest evils are defeated by the greater good is a tale that people love to experience. There is so many instances where this trope holds true because let’s be honest, everyone loves an “underdog”.
