After a very interesting conversation this morning I realize that although I have been guilty of the fairytale day dream, I'm not so sure I want one to come true for me. Take the following into account:
Snow White
Being the fairest maiden of them all comes with its problems, namely blond disorder. After receiving the threat of being killed by her wicked step mother, she goes into a stranger's house and begins cleaning. And after only knowing Snow White for a very short time... is it just cause she's fair... are the dwarfs hoping for something more... they let her stay. Then, Snow White takes food from a stranger. Sure, we think we should be able to trust all little old women. But...really?
Not much later, the dwarfs encase Snow White's body in a glass tomb because she is so fair. And a prince, after seeing her only a few seconds, decides to kiss her corpse. Ew.(Thank you, Bill, for this new insight on Snow White.)
Next case: Cinderella
It's the shoe that really bothers me. The prince has only known Cinderella for a few short hours while dancing with her. He was so taken by her that he must search the whole kingdom to find her, but he only has a glass shoe to go by. So he tries it on all the maidens. Only one, ONE, person fit the shoe. Who's to say he really found the girl he danced with last night? I think he was more in love with the shoe than the woman.
Final case: Rapunzel
I must admit that Rapunzel is my favorite fairy tale and I wouldn't be surprised to find myself writing my own version. But, I wonder if Rapunzel loved the prince as much as she claims. After her prince's eyes were poked out, she stayed in a cottage, not looking for him. It was he who wandered all over and finally came upon her. When she does finally see him again, she sheds tears and, voila, he is healed.
The part that bothers me the most. He found her. He didn't stay in his room, living a comfortable life with servants to cater to his every need. He went after her... the entire story. And she did nothing. Just expected him to do everything. (I might reverse the roles for modern day.)
There you have it. Messed up fairytales. I think I'd prefer to keep my blond head out of it all, make sure my prince has other requirements other than feet, and find an equal relationship where both parties work together.
