Appearance Isn't Everything
Trapped in a world of reason and conformity, princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee must learn how to act, speak, and think in the ways of royalty. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale follows Isi, the crown princess of Kilendree, expected to take the throne as the next queen. However, princess Isi is betrothed to the prince of Bayern in order to keep the peace between kingdoms. As Isi’s journey to Bayern begins, she must learn to have strength, develop kindness, and conquer fear, all while learning her true purpose.
As Isi is raised she is taught her roles as a royal and what is expected of her. She grows up knowing she will be the next queen of Kilendree. When she learns she is no longer crown princess she is devastated and feels betrayed. There are many times where Isi is betrayed throughout the novel, these acts of disloyalty strengthen Isi to the point she is able to become her best self and truly understand who she is. An example of this is in the betrayal of Isi’s lady in waiting, “There is no such thing as royal blood. I believe we are what we make ourselves, and as such, you, Crown Princess, are nothing"(78). This disparaging comment allows Isi to realize her true worth and understand that royalty is not superior to servants and peasants.
Once Isi is betrayed by her royal guard, she finds herself running for her life and worrying about being killed at any moment in time. Isi reaches Bayern and finds herself tending the king’s geese as a servant. While there, Isi makes friends and obtains a comprehension of the lifestyle of servitude. She is grateful for the friends she has and the experiences she is taught while living under power instead of possessing it. This life change allows Isi to procure a deeper appreciation for commonality instead of royalty. Through this, Isi finds kindness and loyalty that she is grateful for, and knows that she is not greater than anyone else, “Sometimes in her dreams, her mind wandered those foreign palace halls, tripping over carpets too fine to be pressed by her dirty boot, losing herself in passages too elaborate for her goose girl brain”(139). Kindness becomes her virtue, superiority subsides, and friendships are made.
Time and time again Isi escapes from death. Each time brings new fear Isi has to conquer in order to save the kingdoms. Bayern is looking for war on Kilendree and without Isi, the kingdoms will fall. Isi must conquer her fear and proclaim that she is the rightful princess. It is seen that Isi easily overcomes fear when there are people in need of help. This observation shows Isi’s selfless character and her will to help anyone and everyone. This is one of the many qualities that make her a great princess. “She fell to both knees and threw her hands on the ground in front of her, as though she would cling to edges of the floor stones to remain”(336). Isi understands what is at stake and is prepared to do anything to save her people.
The Goose Girl is a great novel written by Shannon Hale. It encapsulates the true meaning of friendship and loyalty within the pages and discreetly describes how beauty comes from within. Isi is able to have strength, develop kindness, and conquer her fears throughout the novel. She learns that appearance does not determine her fate and that there is so much more to people than their physical demeanor. In the end, Isi becomes the magnificent queen she was always meant to be; fulfilling her purpose, finding herself, and living happily ever after.
As Isi is raised she is taught her roles as a royal and what is expected of her. She grows up knowing she will be the next queen of Kilendree. When she learns she is no longer crown princess she is devastated and feels betrayed. There are many times where Isi is betrayed throughout the novel, these acts of disloyalty strengthen Isi to the point she is able to become her best self and truly understand who she is. An example of this is in the betrayal of Isi’s lady in waiting, “There is no such thing as royal blood. I believe we are what we make ourselves, and as such, you, Crown Princess, are nothing"(78). This disparaging comment allows Isi to realize her true worth and understand that royalty is not superior to servants and peasants.
Once Isi is betrayed by her royal guard, she finds herself running for her life and worrying about being killed at any moment in time. Isi reaches Bayern and finds herself tending the king’s geese as a servant. While there, Isi makes friends and obtains a comprehension of the lifestyle of servitude. She is grateful for the friends she has and the experiences she is taught while living under power instead of possessing it. This life change allows Isi to procure a deeper appreciation for commonality instead of royalty. Through this, Isi finds kindness and loyalty that she is grateful for, and knows that she is not greater than anyone else, “Sometimes in her dreams, her mind wandered those foreign palace halls, tripping over carpets too fine to be pressed by her dirty boot, losing herself in passages too elaborate for her goose girl brain”(139). Kindness becomes her virtue, superiority subsides, and friendships are made.
Time and time again Isi escapes from death. Each time brings new fear Isi has to conquer in order to save the kingdoms. Bayern is looking for war on Kilendree and without Isi, the kingdoms will fall. Isi must conquer her fear and proclaim that she is the rightful princess. It is seen that Isi easily overcomes fear when there are people in need of help. This observation shows Isi’s selfless character and her will to help anyone and everyone. This is one of the many qualities that make her a great princess. “She fell to both knees and threw her hands on the ground in front of her, as though she would cling to edges of the floor stones to remain”(336). Isi understands what is at stake and is prepared to do anything to save her people.
The Goose Girl is a great novel written by Shannon Hale. It encapsulates the true meaning of friendship and loyalty within the pages and discreetly describes how beauty comes from within. Isi is able to have strength, develop kindness, and conquer her fears throughout the novel. She learns that appearance does not determine her fate and that there is so much more to people than their physical demeanor. In the end, Isi becomes the magnificent queen she was always meant to be; fulfilling her purpose, finding herself, and living happily ever after.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Mooganic