The topic of ugliness (possible ideas: varying cultural standards of beauty/ugliness; the relationship between ugliness/monstrosity and morality; the effect of beauty standards on gender roles)
Use the following fairy tales from Folk and Fairy Tales:
Cinderella: Or the Glass Slipper” – Charles Perrault
“Beauty and the Beast” – Madame Leprince de Beaumont and them the second book will be George MacDonald, The Princess and the Goblin
STEP 3:
Consider your topic in relation to the two books you have chosen and ask yourself: “So what?” The topics guide your attention to a concrete aspect of the story (an element of character, plot, or setting); it’s your job to analyze why that topic is meaningful. Often, answering the “So what?” question will mean linking the topic to a more abstract issue such as gender roles, social class, the nature of goodness and evil, the discovery of identity, child-adult relations, or some other issue that allows you to analyze the significance of the topic you have chosen. Do not attempt to cover ALL these ideas – find a specific issue that allows you to develop a strong, focused argument. (See the Essay Tips document for more details about what a good argument is like – you can find it in the “Units 1 and 2” area.)
STEP 4:
Develop a specific, controversial thesis comparing the two texts you have chosen. Your thesis may focus on a common idea shared by the two texts OR it may focus on a fundamental contrast of ideology. Develop supporting arguments that allow you to compare the two texts side by side in each part of the essay. Do not devote the first half of the essay to one text and the second half to the other – go back and forth between the two texts, comparing them directly. Remember that your purpose is not to demonstrate how similar/different the two texts are in terms of plot or setting; rather, it is to compare the underlying ideas within them, assessing whether they agree or disagree with one another in what they are saying about an issue.
STEP #5:
Examine your texts carefully for details and quotations that you can use in your essay. People often underestimate how much textual evidence to include in an English essay; a strong essay will be one that pays close attention to apparently small details that readers familiar with the texts may not have noticed. Your quotations should not simply remind your reader of major plot elements, but should instead call your reader’s attention to the specifics of imagery and word choice. Be sure to introduce each quotation, briefly indicating its context, and comment on how it supports your thesis. You cannot do well on an English essay without including ample textual evidence, including direct quotations from the texts you’re analyzing.
Remember – the body of your essay (the paragraphs between the introduction and conclusion) should be fairly densely packed with quotations and textual evidence. Don’t “jump away” from the texts for long digressions about current events, real-world parallels, etc. – focus on interpreting the texts in detail, and choose texts that will give you plenty to work with.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Thesis Statement:
In the fairy tales “Cinderella” by Charles Perrault and “Beauty and the Beast” by Madame Leprince de Beaumont, as well as George MacDonald’s “The Princess and the Goblin,” the portrayal of ugliness serves as a reflection of deeper societal issues such as gender roles, morality, and personal growth. Through the characters and themes in these tales, we can explore how perceptions of beauty and ugliness are intertwined with morality and societal expectations.
Introduction:
Beauty and ugliness have long been prominent themes in literature, often serving as a mirror to reflect societal values and norms. In the fairy tales “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Princess and the Goblin,” these themes are intricately woven into the narratives to convey deeper messages about morality, gender roles, and personal growth. By examining the representation of ugliness in these tales, we can gain insights into the complex relationship between appearance and inner qualities.
Gender Roles and Beauty Standards:
One of the key aspects where ugliness plays a significant role in the fairy tales is in shaping gender roles and beauty standards. In “Cinderella,” the stepmother and stepsisters are portrayed as physically unattractive, emphasizing their moral shortcomings and vanity. This characterization suggests a connection between outward appearance and inner character, reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes that equate beauty with goodness. Similarly, in “Beauty and the Beast,” the Beast’s monstrous appearance conceals a kind heart, challenging societal norms that value physical attractiveness over inner virtues. By juxtaposing beauty and ugliness in these tales, the authors highlight the arbitrary nature of beauty standards and question the validity of judging individuals based on their looks.
Morality and Transformation:
Ugliness in these fairy tales is often linked to themes of morality and transformation. In “The Princess and the Goblin,” the goblins are depicted as hideous creatures, symbolizing greed and malevolence. As Princess Irene navigates the challenges posed by these ugly beings, she learns valuable lessons about compassion, bravery, and inner strength. The contrast between beauty and ugliness serves as a catalyst for moral growth and self-discovery, suggesting that true beauty lies not in outward appearances but in acts of kindness and integrity. Similarly, in “Beauty and the Beast,” the Beast’s transformation into a handsome prince underscores the transformative power of love and redemption, emphasizing that true beauty emanates from within.
Conclusion:
The portrayal of ugliness in “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Princess and the Goblin” offers a window into the complexities of human nature and societal expectations. By delving into the nuances of beauty standards, morality, and personal growth, these fairy tales invite readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about appearance and character. Through the lens of ugliness, we are challenged to look beyond surface-level judgments and recognize the inherent beauty that lies within each individual.
