An Unrealistic View

An Unrealistic View

                                                                                                                          Broghan Erland

            Children, young girls especially, are exposed at an early age to what can be referred to as the “Princess Effect”. Young girls become absorbed in fairy tales believing that their prince is out there waiting to save them from evil stepmothers, or wicked witches. However, the short story, Forget Prince Charming by June Callwood and the poem, “Puce Fairy Book” by Alice Major both address this, “notion of a perfect mate.”

            The short story, Forget Prince Charming, has a feminist air in the way it realistically outlines the expectations woman put on men. The author states that many women are caught up in an, “uncritical attentiveness” that resides within “the first fiery intensity of romantic attachment” to a man. She concurs that despite the perception in fairy tales, all relationships have flaws in their foundations. It is the “mutual ability to compromise,” that enables wedlock to surpass the honeymoon. She explains that for the relationship to succeed the husband must have modest humour and above all have integrity. The author states that, “punctuality is an important clue to character,” and his ability to respect his wife lies in his ability to show up on time. The story also states that a man’s admiration of a baby can be a clue as to whether he will be loyal despite adversities in relationships. The author is a grandmother who evidently has no qualms in giving advice. However, her words are those of wisdom that should be considered during the, “temporary insanity…[of]..courtship.”

            Not unlike June Callwood’s story, the poem “Puce Fairy Book” believes that there is an unrealistic view of matrimony in today’s society. This poem has a slightly more critical view of men and the expectations they put on woman. The poem alludes to a variety of fair tales and criticizes the unrealistic themes that they encompass. While hope of lovely young maiden with “braids of hair like rope,” is a fine dream, her hair will “never grow that long”. Many industries revolve around this idea of the perfect woman. She feels that while she would be honoured by men’s admirations she would ‘decline, with thanks” out of her, “mature consideration.” She may have supposed him a prince charming, she is not so unrealistic to overlook the fact that she is hardly acquainted with him.

Both of these passages share a realistic view of what marriage should be they differ slightly in the way they present these opinions.While men may be fickle creatures, Callwood has an optimistic view of their worthiness. She believes that despite a rather delusional view woman have as children, it is possible to find a husband whom a woman can share a long and prosperous relationship. Alice Major is far more negative towards fairy tales and what they outline as the perfect woman. In the past it is believed that woman should be images of refined delicacy. However, woman today have rights and power. Yet many still spend hours in front of the mirror, improving their looks for the benefit of men. No man would be so frivolous. Despite a differing view of the qualities of men, both poems outline the need to be realistic when it comes to marriage. Real life is defined thusly because it is rarely a fairy tale.