Essay/Term paper: Legend of love

Essay, term paper, research paper:  High School Essays

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 to his aid, offering him guidance, and saving the prince's life

by carrying him on her back.

Leonardo da Vinci

Cinderella's godmother is no magical little old lady, but a flesh and blood

Leonardo da Vinci. When Danielle does receive help, it comes not from a

"fairy godmother," but from one of history's most renowned figures. Leonardo

da Vinci is the famous artist and inventor. While staying in the royal

palace, Leonardo helps Henry fall in love with Danielle. In fact, if it

wasn't for Leonardo, they may not have lived "happily ever after."

King Frances and Queen Marie

The king and queen of France are quite eager to marry off their son Henry.

What is right for the country versus what is right for his family is one of

the daily struggles that King Frances must face. King Frances decides to

host a masquerade ball in honor of Leonaro da Vinci. King Frances also

decides this would be the perfect time to introduce Henry's choice for his

bride.

Jacqueline de Ghent

As the more subdued sister, Jacqueline yearns to be accepted by her mother

and others. Since she is chubby she gets backlash from her mother, Baroness

Rodmilla de Ghent. Jacqueline can be sympathetic and is much more

intelligent than either her sister or mother believe. Kind and thoughtful

she allies with Danielle and offers warm words of comfort when Danielle is

sad.





Auguste de Barbarac

Auguste de Barbarac is Danielle's beloved father, whose death helps shapes

her destiny. Though his character is short lived, his impact on Danielle was

strong. He taught his daughter to be strong, and independent. Auguste also

introduced Danielle to literature. This explains Danielle's love for the

written word and why she is capable of having an intellectual conversation

with Henry.

The Antagonists

Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent

To say Rodmilla is evil would be putting it mildly. Not only is she bold

enough to lie to the Queen of France, but she knows how to inflict emotional

pain that is much more severe than physical pain. Rodmilla is Danielle's

stepmother and since the death of Danielle's father (when he turned to

Danielle for his last words of "I love you"), Rodmilla has considered her

competition. Rodmilla's big plan is for her daughter, Marguerite, to marry

the Prince.

Marguerite de Ghent

The saying "like mother, like daughter" applies to Marguerite, who is just as

good as Rodmilla at inflicting mental pain. Marguerite is out to be the

Queen of France and will stop at nothing to get there. Marguerite is loud,

manipulative, and always demanding her way. She is quite the opposite of her

more subdued sister Jacqueline.

And they lived happily ever after

Ever After: A Cinderella Story takes the fable of Cinderella and creates a

realistic and romantic adventure. The real magic in this story is the

chemistry between the characters; especially the conflict between the

protagonists and the antagonists. Though it is called "A Cinderella Story,"

the movie contains strong creative and original elements that set it far

apart from other Cinderella stories. The writers created a fascinating web of

romance, drama, and even humor. They also created a strong villain in

Rodmilla, the stepmother; and an elaborate Cinderella-like character named

Danielle. We are made to believe that this fairytale is based on fact,

rather than fiction. But than again, we are all looking to live "happily

ever after."