The Princess and the Pea- refutation

The Princess and the Pea was written by a famous and renowned author: Hans Christian Anderson. It has received much popular praise, contrary to its misleading and artificial story-line. This story does not just give the impression that a perspective wife needs to be absolutely perfect, but also that people can be put to an unimportant test and be judged, for good or bad, based on the results. Life does not work like that. In this fairy-tale Anderson has given an inaccurate and foolish view of life. Who needs to be exposed to such unhelpful ideas?

There was a prince who was very busy looking for a princess to marry. He was never satisfied with the girls that he watched and talked to--they always had a flaw that made them imperfect; he must have a faultless wife. After deciding there was not a girl in all of his part of the country that he wanted marry, he left his home and went in search of the ideal wife. His journey was fruitless. He traveled back home and was very disappointed because he had not found a true princess, in all the land, that would suit him. One night as a storm was raging, the king heard a tapping on the door. The door was opened and there stood a young lady who claimed to be a princess. The queenly mother at once took the girl, cleaned her up, dressed her in a courtly gown, and sent her off to chat with her son. Meanwhile she placed a pea under 20 mattresses and 20 quilts. Next morning, when asked, the young lady said that she had not slept one wink that night because there was something hard in her bed (she actually had bruises to attest to the fact). By hearing this account, the prince knew right away that she was a true princess and the perfect match for him. They married as soon as possible and lived happily ever after.

There are many parts of this unbelievable fairy-story that could not possibly have happened. First off, is it realistic that a princess would be out at night, by herself? No. She would be surrounded by attendants and courtly rules preventing her from being outside alone, not to mention in the evening and during a storm. Suppose for some odd reason a princess did find herself alone at night in a storm. How likely would it be that the girl would actually make her way to another castle (probably quite a distance from her home). She would not. Secondly, how could a simple test reveal the true character of a person? If some how a person’s moral nature could be defined by a quick experiment, what is the possibility of the Queen’s pea working? A pea is a soft vegetable; when 20 mattresses and 20 quilts are pilled on top, would not the pea get smashed? Imagine that the pea does not get smashed and is able to make a big enough lump that sleeping on it was impossible. By what standard does the fact that the girl felt a tiny object in her bed mean that the she is a princess? It cannot. How then can the story be read and admired, if the beginning is so fictitiously flawed?

Having been shown full of faults, The Princess and the Pea is unsuitable for people--especially children--to read. To be worth reading a narrative needs to be profitable or beneficial to the reader; this fairy-tale is neither but instead, unwholesome. Since the purpose of writing is to persuade an audience to change or do something, think of the how the readers will be effected by this strange way of looking at the world and life in general. It will have negative effects on them and future generations. To end the discussion on this disagreeable subject, let it be said that Anderson’s fairy-story should not be read or considered grand.

Saint of the Ancient Catholic Church

Athanasius, the renown Christian apologist, was born into a greek family around 293. Very little of his childhood is known. It is not until he became a religious and thus political figure that he is recorded in history. He studied theology and philosophy, graduating to an episcopal position in the Catholic Church of Alexandria. Soon the Arian controversy sprung up and caused many disputes in the Christian church. The Arians were known for their erroneous belief that God the Father was not one in the same with Jesus. They believed that Jesus was a great man, possibly one of the greatest of God’s creations, but not God-incarnate. Needless to say this topic riled many a theologian. Arius and the other leaders of the Church gathered together (the First Council of Nicaea in 325). Here Athanasius spoke out against the heresy and the Nicaean Creed was drafted. Afterwards, Athanasius was said to have mistreated Arius and consequently he was exiled to Tyre by Constantine I. Over the next years 40 years Athanasius came in and out of exile, depending on the bias of the Emperor and the people influencing him. During these years Athanasius wrote many papers and treatis arguing for the Christian faith based on the Bible. Among these is one of his most famous works: On the Incarnation, the dispute over Arianism gave Athanasius incentive to write his book. In the year 366 Athanasius was allowed home and for the rest of his life he was allowed to continue his work in the church.

The Princess and the Pea

Hans Christian Anderson, a danish writer of both prose and poetry, is one of the most esteemed fairy-tale writers of the 19th century. He has numerous pieces of literature published: fiction, short stories, travel diaries, and poems; he has acquired much acclaim for his fabulous children’s stories, the illuminating factor of his métier. At the beginning of his career, he was quite underrated (just as most historical masterminds are). It was not until later in his life that people paid attention to him. By his death he had won international fame and accolades. His writings are now translated into more than 150 languages. The Princess and the Pea, only one of the illustrious fairy tales written by this author, is known throughout the world and considered great. Withstanding such a test of time, Anderson’s writings should be read and enjoyed by all people.

There once was a prince who desperately wanted to get married. He traveled around the world, but could not find the perfect girl for him. Every putative princess had a defect that the prince could not live with, or the girl was no true princess; he must marry a real princess. He returned home, discouraged--without a bride. One dark and rainy night, there was a knock on the palace door. The king opened it and there stood a cold, wet, and bedraggled princess. The queen, immediately putting her to the test to discover if she was a true princess, pilled high the bed where the supposed princess was to sleep. Between the layers of mattresses, she laid a single pea. In the morning she asked if the princess has slept well. Contrarily, the poor princess had, had one of the most uncomfortable nights--she had felt something very hard in her bed and could not get even one wink of sleep. Needless to say, she passed the test and married the prince. Together they lived happily ever after.

As a fable written specifically for children, though teens and adults alike can appreciate the story, it is not only pleasurable and dramatic, but also easy to read. In this narrative, Anderson uses clear sentence structures and vocabulary choices to perspicuously express the action and describe the marvelous details. Also, the message of this account is pellucid. From the beginning to the end, the aim of the story is for the prince to find an authentic “princess-bride.” Though there are some trials, the fairy-tale does end well and the goal is achieved.

There is nothing unusual about a man looking for a wife; why then would it be strange to read about it in a story? it is not. The Princess and the Pea is simply one man’s quest to find his destined soul-mate. A prince returns home from searching for a beloved wife, empty-handed. Then, as fate would have it, a princess is thrust into his path. What should he do, but start to figure out if the young lady is his perfect match? Mother, father, and prince work together and realize that this princess is the young woman whom he should marry. Without further ado, the prince and princess marry. Once a couple has found that they are right for each other, the engagement should be of short duration as they prepare to spend the rest of their lives together.

The Princess and the Pea is based in reality and, though it includes some atypical qualities to keep the plot exciting and interesting, it is easy to relate to. The characters are understandable and relate well to each other in all situations. It could easily be a true story as people marry everyday. Magical in nature, the plot is entirely conceivable: men and women are brought together in all sorts of ways and in what may seem unlikely situations. What does it matter, if the couple is happy and content? In all their dealings, the courtly family and their distinguished guest, they are courteous and gracious with each other. This account is an excellent example of logical yet practical propriety.

It is always good to broaden one’s mind, what better material to start with than a renowned fable written by a famous author? By pursuing this story, the reader will reap multi-fold rewards. Imagination is a skill that is all too unfamiliar in today’s modern society. American culture has been so dominated by facts, laws, and intellectual boxes that to get out of this restricting mentality takes a deal of effort. One of the first places to start redeeming the creative capabilities of civilization is with reading basic, but, as G.K, Chesterton suggests, extraordinary literature that requires innovative faculties to engage. Secondly, reading fairy tales is a great way to introduce people to the vast world of the classics and the “great conversation.” Another reason for reading this fairy story is simply for pleasure. No matter what, The Princess and the Pea is and always will be an outstanding paradigm for all ages.

In summary, Anderson’s fairytales are extremely well written. The fact that the juvenile fairy-stories have lasted for ages and continue to intrigue both young and old, is a distinct sign of a true classic. Among many other qualities of this piece of literature, this story is coherent, understandable, believable, reasonable, and possibly even true. The Princess and the Pea is not only clear in message and content, but it is a timeless account that is worthy of being read. By immersing oneself in the tangible story of a lovelorn prince and following him to the end, when he meets his “princess charming,” the reader will find delight in the entertainment available at the turn of a page. To conclude: The Princess and the Pea is fantastic and a great read for people of all ages and literary backgrounds.

Undaunted Fidelity

Odysseus, one of the most renown heros of the Trojan War and a mighty Achaean King, left his lovely wife, and baby to do his duty “to God and Country.” He went willingly, but was loath to depart from his newly established family; a 20-year absence was not even considered. It was simply a mission to reclaim Helen, King Menelaus’ wife, who was taken by the Trojans--it was thought to be of short duration. Even after the war was over, Odysseus was unable to return directly home; the gods beset him with many trials and pointless adventures before he could return. Setting off for the battle with a troop of men, he left Penelope and their son in good hands and headed off to battle, not to return for many years. Entrusted at home, “headful” and “honored” Penelope was the model of a faithful wife. She kept matters in order, raised a son, was completely loyal to her husband, and did not waver in her duties.

Long after Odysseus’ expected return from the war, Penelope stayed faithful and diligent to remain chaste. She was often ridiculed and chaffed for not remarrying when it seemed as if Odysseus must be dead, he had been gone for so long. Scrupulously careful, Penelope waited longingly for her husband’s return. Even after 20 long years of patiently anticipating his arrival, Penelope does not give up all for lost, but instead continues on hoping. Many men (72 in all) courted her--much against her will. She did not pay attention to any of them and least of all did she encourage them. They all camped out in her house, ate of her food, and took advantage of everything possible as they greedily desired the Queen’s affections to sway towards one of them. Contrarily, she was obviously waiting only for her dear husband’s return and was not interested in anyone else, no matter what they could offer her.

Amid the struggle to remain solely the

wife of Odysseus, Penelope leads a life of distress and struggles. First her parents want her to re-marry--they having lost all faith in their son-in-law and wanting a blood-heir to carry on the kingly lines in their family. She, completely and wholly devoted to Odysseus, refuses, but cannot figure out how to convince the suitors, to leave her alone without destroying the long standing relationships with the prominent families. For a long while she is able to keep them at bay, but after about 16 years of waiting on her, the suitors get impatient. She comes up with a brilliant idea. She says that she needs to weave a robe for her precious husband and once that is finished, she will marry someone.

“Then in the daytime would she weave at the great web, but in the night unravel...thus for three years she hid her craft and cheated the Achaeans...Wherefore I pay no head to strangers or to suppliants, nor even to heralds who ply a public trade; but, longing for Odysseus, I waste my heart away. [The suitors] urge me on my marriage: I wind my skein of guile.”

During his travels and before he reaches home, Odysseus is warned by King Agamemnon that he should not hope that his wife would still be faithful to him, as was Agamemnon’s experience with his wife. Odysseus was saddened with this news and the dreary prospect of what was to come before him. Long before he reached home, he had heard of the numerous suitors for his wife’s hand and could only surmise that the counsel of the king was true and he has lost his one and only love. Odysseus finally returns home after his arduous journey, though in a completely different state from that which he left in. He comes back as an old man, made so by Pallas Athene. He goes about in disguise to learn more about the suitors of his wife and if she has somehow managed to remain devoted to him amidst the turmoil. He makes his way into the palace, and after some time is given an audience with Penelope herself--it was known that he knew what had happened to Odysseus after the Trojan War.

Throughout the novel, Penelope, ever desirous to see her husband again, heeds all precaution in probing and studying everyone that she comes into contact with. After listening to and believing the accounts by several of her suitors of the fate concerning Odysseus, she finds they are false and that they will tell her anything so that they can marry her. She immediately decides not to take everything at face-value and to test everything and everyone, saving herself a lot of heart-ache. But, when she does hear the truth from a certain, old stranger (Odysseus himself), it takes her a long time and lots of questions to finally give it any merit. Still, she is reluctant to believe the fantastic stories because of all rumor and false tales that she has heard the suitors tell her. And she is still not completely convinced until she sees her husband (after Athena restored him to be “taller and stronger than he was before”). At the end of her interview with Odysseus, she tells him of one of her dreams; he interprets the dream and gives her hope that Odysseus will return shortly and route her “enemies.”

Penelope’s courageous and steadfast waiting for the return of her husband is rewarded at the end of the book by a happy reunion between the two lovers. Twenty years seem but a moment as the two catch each other up on their lives over the past two decades. In the end, Penelope’s persistent forbearance and staunch fidelity is rewarded: Odysseus returns home and reestablishes order to the chaos, exterminating the suitors and institutes peace. Also, King Agamemnon, who was so quick to compound all of the female race with the same deplorable qualities and duplicitous motives that his wife displayed, realizes the mistake he made, corrects his error, and restores Penelope’s honor:

“Fortunate son of Laertes, ready Odysseus! You won a wife full of all worth. How upright was the heart of true Penelope, the daughter of Icarius! How faithful to Odysseus, the husband of her youth! Wherefore the story of her worth shall never die; but for humankind immoral ones shall make a joyous song in praise of steadfast Penelope.”