Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine was published in 1997. It’s a really fun and creative version of the Cinderella story we all know. I just read it and I’m super excited to talk about it. I’ll give away a few secrets from the story for those who want to know what happens.
Plot Overview
Ella Enchanted is mainly about a girl named Ella finding out who she is, being strong, and fighting for her freedom to make her own choices. When Ella is born, a fairy named Lucinda, who thinks she’s doing a good thing, gives her a special but troublesome power. Ella must do whatever anyone tells her to. Because of this, she ends up in funny and sometimes dangerous situations.
This power, or curse, really complicates Ella’s life. She can’t just ignore what people tell her to do, even if she doesn’t want to do it. This makes her life pretty tough. Imagine if someone told you to jump, and you had to do it, even if you didn’t want to! That’s how it is for Ella. But she’s not just sitting back and accepting it. The story is about her journey to break this curse. She meets lots of interesting characters along the way, some who are kind and others who are not so nice, and she has to deal with all the challenges they bring. Ella’s adventure is not just about dealing with this curse, but also about finding out who she is and what she’s capable of. She’s trying to take control of her own life, which is something a lot of us can relate to.
Character Development
Levine does a great job at making her characters feel real and interesting. Ella, the main character, is not like the usual princesses you see in fairy tales who are just waiting to be rescued. She’s smart, good at solving problems, and has a lot more going on than the usual Cinderella. The way she fights against her curse, which makes her do whatever she’s told, really makes you feel for her and cheer her on. The Prince in the story is also not just a simple character. He’s really nice, smart, and understands Ella for who she really is, not just what she seems to be on the outside.
Themes and Writing Style
The book excels in discussing important topics such as having control over one’s own decisions, giving consent freely, and the significance of staying true to oneself. Levine’s writing style is enchanting and smooth, making the book enjoyable for both younger and older readers. She crafts the narrative with cleverness, ensuring that the story remains captivating from start to finish.
The Twist on Traditional Fairy Tales
Levine’s version of the Cinderella story is fresh and different. The idea of the obedience curse is brilliant. It makes Ella’s character more interesting and changes the way she deals with everyone, like her stepsisters and stepmother. This new part of the story turns it from just a story about troubles and love into a deeper tale about fighting for the right to make your own choices.
This new element, the curse of having to obey, adds many layers to the story. It’s not just about Ella waiting for someone to rescue her; it’s about her own struggle to break free from this spell. Every time Ella has to do something she doesn’t want to, because of the curse, it shows how strong she is on the inside. This makes her journey more than just finding love, like in many fairy tales. It becomes about her fighting for her own independence and right to decide for herself. This makes the story much more meaningful and interesting. It’s not just a fairy tale anymore; it’s a story about a person standing up for her own freedom.
Big Spoiler Alerts
One of the best parts of the book is how Ella gets rid of her curse. She doesn’t need a prince’s kiss or someone else to do something amazing. Instead, she uses her own courage and willpower. In a big moment, Ella refuses to follow an order from the prince because she loves him. This brave choice breaks the curse. This moment is very powerful and makes you feel good because it shows how important it is to make your own choices.
Another interesting thing in the book is about the fairy Lucinda. In most fairy tales, fairies are smart and kind, but Lucinda doesn’t really understand how her gifts can cause problems. She thinks she’s helping, but she’s not. This part of the story is funny but also makes you think about how sometimes, even when people mean well, they can end up causing trouble if they don’t think things through or ask what others want.
Final Thoughts
Ella Enchanted is a wonderfully crafted, smart, and touching book. It gives a new and fresh look to a well-known fairy tale, and it’s so unique that it shines on its own. Levine’s tale shows us how important it is to depend on ourselves and to fight for our right to make our own choices. This book is something that people who love fantasy, fairy tales, and stories about brave girls should definitely read. It’s the kind of story that sticks in your mind, even after you finish reading it.
