The Evolution of a Princess

This is part of a facebook conversation I had some months ago. Vanity called, so I answered by putting it here.

In 20th century stories, old-style princesses were helpless objects in need of rescue. It makes even this conservative woman cringe.

Good news, however. Looking at fairy tales and princess types, The Princess Bride is a transitional style of love object/heroine. The princess bride is in need of rescue but is growing in self awareness. The movie is still about the hero's bravery and her beauty. Something is changing, however.

Fast forward to the princess in Enchanted. She is already self aware but comes of age in a world full of ugly, becoming self aware of the ills of society. The new fairy tale ending is that she becomes the rescuer, not only rescuing her man but some of society in the process.

And now we have Brave. Welcome to the 21st century. The Pixar princess is a selfish destroyer who becomes redeemer. On the first viewing, I hated it. Why did I waste my time and money to see it in 3D? Next time through (not in 3D), I realized how all the action pulled her back into relationship with her family. Humbled but healed, she arises more whole than the old-style princesses ever could.

mrfb