It serves as a jumping point for asking, “What makes us happy?” and “What does it means to be happy?” Gender rolesĪs a “Paper Bag Princess,” Elizabeth strays far from the standard image of a princess, and the little philosophers will have no trouble seeing this. Here the book asks us to wonder about the nature of happiness. On the final page, we see Elizabeth joyfully heading into the sunset, still in her paper bag, and leaving behind the prince. This brings up questions about what it means to be in a role such as a princess, leading into the greater topic of one’s identity in general. As we move more into gender roles, the book poses a similar topic by having Ronald call out Elizabeth for not looking like a princess. This brings up valuable questions about gender roles and fairy tale norms–why princes aren’t always kidnapped and princesses are.

The Paper Bag Princess begins by taking a scene present in almost all fairy tales and promptly shakes things up by having the prince kidnapped and the princess going to the rescue. CeCe Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion Introduction Ronald tells her to come back when she looks like a “real princess.” Elizabeth responds by telling the prince he’s a bum.

When Ronald sees Elizabeth in a paper bag rather than beautiful princess clothes, he is disgusted. Elizabeth outwits the dragon by asking him to perform feats of strength until he passes out. Elizabeth puts on a paper bag and sets off to save Ronald.

Before they are able to marry, a dragon swoops down, burns down the castle and everything with it, and kidnaps Prince Ronald. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary The Paper Bag Princess turns traditional fairy tales on their heads to raise questions about gender roles, identity, and happiness.Īn unconventional princess named Elizabeth happily prepares to marry Prince Ronald.

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