The Legend of Love
By: Yan • Essay • 1,116 Words • November 14, 2009 • 1,004 Views
Essay title: The Legend of Love
Approximately 500 versions of the Cinderella story are in circulation, making
it one of the most famous tales in the world. The plot in this timeless
classic has been used as a model for writers for countless generations.
Whether in print or on film, Cinderella is an inspirational story. It allows
young girls to fantasize being swept off their feet by a sweet, handsome
prince, marry and "live happily ever after." For over hundreds of years the
story has been refined and reworked, whether as the French "Cendrillon" or as
the Brothers Grimm's "Cinderella." Though each tale is revised in different
ways, the plot remains a common ground between them. The most recent version
is, Ever After: A Cinderella Story, a film by Andy Tennant. This version has
a realistic element, which is told to "set the record straight." Like many
great love stories before, Ever After: A Cinderella Story, has plenty of
conflict between good and evil, right and wrong, and the charming versus the
wicked. These conflicts are portrayed through the correlation between each
character, and the relationship between the protagonists and the antagonists.
The Protagonists
Grand Dame
Grand Dame is the narrator who is setting the record straight. She is also
the
Great-Great-Granddaughter of Danielle/Cinderella. While the Brothers Grimm
has their version of the Cinderella story, the Grand Dame knows the truth.
She summons the
Brothers Grimm and explains her family's history as she knows it. As the
narrator, her character is a mediator, stepping in when the conflict is
elevated.
Danielle
When she was eight, Danielle's father unexpectedly died. Left with her new
stepmother, Rodmilla, Danielle is forced to be a servant to the household.
Her strongest link to her father is the book, Utopia that he gave her the
night before he died. An intriguing mix of tomboyish athleticism and physical
beauty, she has enough charm to capture the heart of a prince. This spirited
"Cinderella" is certainly no victim; against all odds, she stands up against
a forceful and scheming stepmother. While Danielle does own a gorgeous pair
of glass slippers, the words "magic pumpkin" are not in her vocabulary.
Prince Henry
Prince Henry has a secret. He doesn't want to be King of France. The prince
finds peace in running away from the castle to escape from his obligations,
including an arranged marriage to the princess of Spain. Prince Henry
doesn't recognize his potential until Danielle enters the picture and shows
him all the good that he can do. However, Rodmilla is out to interfere with
his future. He is your typical "Prince Charming," tall, dark and handsome.
Unfortunately, he is also a bit arrogant. Constantly whining, he refuses to
marry the princess of Spain, and challenges his father by refusing to accept
the crown. Upon meeting Danielle, he begins to realize his importance and
the changes he can make for his people. With her keen intelligence and
independence, Danielle,
definitely, is not waiting around for the prince to rescue her. In fact, she
often comes