Journal Entry on “The Princess and the Goblin” by David Macdonald
Prior to reading “The Princess and the Goblin”, I assumed it was just another fairytale about a princess who falls in love with a cursed being and help transform that being into his original well-being. Even from the beginning of the book, I thought ‘this book is going to be so boring and predictable’. Little did I know, the more I read the more thought provoking the book became. Only after completing the book did I realize the author’s real intentions and how some of the underlying specific messages relate to religious symbolism. A strong example of religious symbolism in this book, is without a doubt, the relationship of the Grandmother with Princess Irene. Grandma’s character was often described as “white’ and “always there” even if she can’t sometimes be seen. This suggests divinity and promised protection so long as Princess did as she was told and followed the ‘invisible’ thread of her opal ring that always lead her to safety. I think this example is the author’s way of imposing that even when life gets hard, a person’s faith in God will help them find or achieve salvation. Another example shows that the author believes that those who have faith like the Princess and eventually Curdie, will evolve into good human beings and in turn, receive what they ask for. Unfortunately, the author also suggest that those who don’t have faith, devolve and live underground, just like the goblins in the story.
All in all, this book, to me, was a good read. It definitely would spark interest in young children even if the author has underlying messages. Like any good book, it should provoke thoughts and opinions, good or bad.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Overall, I would recommend this book sophisticated young readers who like thrilling adventures and electrifying love stories.…
- 359 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Fairy Tales have been continuously changing through history based on social norms and ideologies of the author on how society should be. Ever since the first written version released by Charles Perrault, Little Red Riding Hood has been remanufactured time and time again to fit the cultural views of the society it was created in. Not only do these different versions display the social norms of the audience it was created for, but also to challenge and critique the social constructs that are in place. Fairy tales all come with messages that impact the reader in some way, whether it teaches you lessons on how to behave, or shine light on problems that need to be addressed. Thesis: In “The False Grandmother”, Italo Calvino challenges the hegemonic…
- 190 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favorite book.” This is a famous quote said by Marcel Proust. Books over the centuries have had an influential impact on the lives of many. Arguably, there are none more influential than children’s books. Children’s books contain important life lessons and teach many children the basic values they will hold for the remainder of their lives. Examples of the best range from the well-known Dr. Seuss books, to the always-popular Winnie the Pooh books. Although those are historically popular, The Rainbow Fish, by Marcus Pfister, is one that should be kept in mind. With it’s enticing illustrations, simple and descriptive context, and lesson it portrays, the children’s book The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister should be considered for a spot on the “Top 100 Children’s Books” list.…
- 666 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
In 1944 fascist Spain, a girl named Ofelia, fascinated and obsessed with fairy-tales, is sent along with her pregnant mother to live with her new stepfather, a ruthless and somewhat evil captain of the Spanish army. During the night, she meets a fairy who takes her to an old faun in the center of an old labyrinth garden. Upon meeting the Faun, he tells her she is the lost Princess, Moanna, and that her father, the king of the underworld, has sent out messengers to open portals so she could return. However, because there is only one portal left she must be tested and carry out three tasks to prove her “essence” is still intact and that she hasn’t become mortal. Though it is subtle, the movie, Pan’s Labyrinth uses quite a few references to the bible to tell it’s story.…
- 671 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
I enjoyed reading this book as an adult, remembering it from childhood. Reading it as an adult, I realize the some of the lessons I learned as a child such as following instructions from my mother for example.…
- 7753 Words
- 32 Pages
Powerful Essays -
By critical analysis it can become a very complicating task to define a child’s book. There are many fundamental definitive factors that can be found in books that have been written for Children. For instance, if we take the example of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe C.S Lewis 1950 . Universally it is recognised as a book for children. It contains the inherent facets of a children’s book. Often a typical children’s book will have a child protagonist. In the classic novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe C.S Lewis. C.S Lewis has not just one child protagonist but four. Very commonly we find the child protagonist in the story is an orphan. Again we can see C.S Lewis has shown four children that are away from their parents and the typical family nucleus. Moreover, examples of orphanage can be seen in the classic novel of The Jungle book by Rudyard Kipling 1894. In The Jungle book the child protagonist is an orphan found in the jungle floating in a basket by a panther.…
- 2018 Words
- 9 Pages
Powerful Essays -
First of all, I am not a big fan of reading books, but this is one book that is hard to put down. I would recommend it, not only for parents but for people who works with children as well. This book is very informative and will give its readers a whole new level of appreciation for their children. A Child Called "It" is a very inspiring story of a young boy who grew up with an abusive mother, and a spineless father who did nothing to stop it. This went on for years, from about the time David was in the first grade until he was 12 years old, until finally, a teacher stepped in. But despite all the hardships, the young boy was able to triumph, got freed from his "madhouse", and eventually wrote a book about himself.…
- 730 Words
- 3 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
This book is the best book to introduce to children as their first chapter book, because it includes some pictures that help the transition from picture books to chapter books. There is a quote in the book that says, “life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch” (p.176). This quote has always stuck with me when I read this book, because it is a quote that can be used throughout a person’s life. If a book can stick with you for that long, it is definitely an important book to…
- 803 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Once upon a time… in a land not unlike our own lived a widow who had three children, all sons. The eldest son, who was by far the most plain looking of the three, had magic in his hands for he was able to make even an acorn taste like a delicacy and this was the closest to magic that anyone has ever been. This son married a woman who would eat everything in sight and always asked for more for it made him feel good to know he would always be appreciated. The middle son was neither brilliant nor beautiful but he was able to find his niche in a construction industry where he became mighty wealthy and married a young most beautiful woman. She always appreciated his money and he always appreciated her looks so they were a couple that grew to truly love each other after a long time of marriage. The youngest son was by far the most complex of the three. Beau, the youngest son, was inexplicably beautiful, given education far beyond the years of his brothers and yet he is the only one who has not found love. Of course the women have tried, oh yes try they did, but he found an excuse each time. These excuses always made the woman feel as though they were the most beautiful person in the world and he was somehow able to reject every single woman who tried to get into his life without gaining the hate of a single one. All of his excuses worked time and time again but after so long his mother started questioning him as to why he would not even give a lady the time of day. So he began with “I do not wish to take upon another lady into my life when I have no intention of being married for I am happy with doing what I please when I please.” There was no way to convince him otherwise but to try and change his mind never left his mothers thoughts.…
- 2904 Words
- 12 Pages
Better Essays -
“‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair’” (Grimm 44). Famous words that many people know from their childhood. The tale of Rapunzel. A story that many adults and children are fond of. A picture of a beautiful princess with long golden hair looking out of a tower towards her handsome prince appearing in thousands of minds. Though most of the American population knows the general plot of the myth, most fail to realize that the story has changed greatly from the original Grimm fairy tale version. The role of Rapunzel taking a drastic turn. This can easily be a reflection of how the role of women has changed over time as well. When looking at the contrast between “Rapunzel” and Tangled, there is a clear difference of how women are culturally viewed in the eighteen hundreds versus today.…
- 1321 Words
- 6 Pages
Good Essays -
Fairytales are believed to illustrate characters and events to teach an audience valuable morals or life lessons. However, Sheldon Cashdan, author of “The Witch Must Die: The Hidden Meaning of Fairy Tales”, explains this is a common misconception amongst readers, and in fact, the stories are to help us deal with internal conflicts and struggles we face throughout our lives (8). However there is much more to be taught when identifying a fairytales underlying meaning. For example, the classic Brothers Grimm tale, “Little Red Cap”, portrays the potential consequences lead by our inability to discern the nature of evil. Through its characters and events, “Little Red Cap” truthfully depicts the wolf’s evil…
- 1466 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
Although this book has more than 30 years, but I believe that today's children and young people should also like it.…
- 153 Words
- 1 Page
Satisfactory Essays -
I at first thought this was a cooking book and asked my mother “Are you trying to poison me with rotten eggs” which she replied “Just read the book and find out”. So I did as I was told and found a quiet and peaceful spot and began to read. At the end of the story I found out that my mom wasn’t trying to poison me, but she was actually trying to inspire me to read more of Dr.Seuss’ many books. By age five, I had finished Dr.Seuss’ series and discovered that the characters in his books were my little soldiers that were influencing me to continue my desire and need to…
- 921 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Regarded as one of the most beloved children books of the twentieth century, C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has found its way into the prolific canon of British literature and into the hearts of both children and adults alike. Published in 1950, this tale of a frost-bitten wood, fauns, and other fantastic events is masterfully written to appeal to all ages. Set during World War II in England, four children are sent to live with an old professor in a mansion in the English countryside. The scenery soon changes as a retreat into a mothball-infested wardrobe magically transports them into a world beyond the farthest reaches of their imaginations. As they learn of the plights of the many oppressed woodland creatures in this wonderful land called Narnia, they too begin to see the evils of the White Witch and her rule over a land cursed to be “always winter but never Christmas” (20). The adventures that ensue prove to change the course of Narnia for all time, as they await the arrival of the true ruler of Narnia, a great lion named Aslan. Though this novel includes mythical creatures and the inclusion of children as main characters, the Christian undertones are relatively overt throughout the tale. These significant topics are found alongside both Jewish and Islamic influences as well. These characteristics, among many others, establish this novel as something much deeper than an ordinary fairy tale. Mature audiences can appreciate this novel as a moralistic tale meant to touch on many aspects of society and the human nature itself. One of the most important trends that is found within the novel is the treatment of both sexes in terms of the overall plot and characterization that takes place during the children’s stay in Narnia. Lewis employs the use of stereotypical traditional roles of both men and women in society as well as a more dynamic approach to the subject of gender in Narnia; yet it would be much more effective to attribute a more…
- 1659 Words
- 7 Pages
Better Essays -
It is rather hard to say who would enjoy this book and who would not. Frankly speaking I have to admit that I do not like that type of books but to my great surprise it turned out to be very interesting and absorbing. I definitely recommend that novel to everyone, because the truths it contains are universal and all of the people can learn something about life from…
- 288 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays