TL;DR
Ella Enchanted is a captivating fairy tale retelling of Cinderella, where Ella struggles with a ‘gift’ of obedience bestowed upon her by a well-meaning but misguided fairy. This curse compels her to obey any command, leading her on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and rebellion as she seeks to break free from its control and determine her own destiny.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Gail Carson Levine is an American author known for her imaginative and engaging children’s books, often drawing inspiration from classic fairy tales and folklore. Her writing is characterized by wit, humor, and strong female characters. Levine has received numerous awards for her work, including the Newbery Honor for Ella Enchanted. Her other notable works include ‘The Princess Test’, ‘Fairest’, and ‘The Two Princesses of Bamaroo’.
Key Takeaways
The Curse of Obedience
Ella is cursed with obedience by a fairy named Lucinda, forcing her to obey every command she is given, regardless of how unreasonable or dangerous it may be.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Ella embarks on a quest to find Lucinda and break the curse, encountering various challenges and characters that help her grow and learn about herself.
Friendship and Loyalty
Ella forms strong bonds of friendship with characters like Areida, a resourceful and independent girl, and Char, a prince who sees beyond Ella’s curse.
Rebellion and Independence
Ella learns to resist the curse’s control, asserting her independence and making her own choices, even at great personal risk.
Facing Adversity
Ella encounters various obstacles and dangers, including ogres, giants, and a manipulative stepmother and stepsisters.
Love and Romance
Ella and Prince Char develop a romantic connection based on mutual respect and understanding.
Breaking the Curse
Through her courage, determination, and self-belief, Ella finally breaks the curse of obedience and gains true freedom.
The Power of Choice
The story emphasizes the importance of free will and the ability to make one’s own choices in life.
FAQ about Ella Enchanted
Is Ella Enchanted a faithful retelling of Cinderella?
While Ella Enchanted draws inspiration from the Cinderella story, it offers a unique and imaginative twist with the addition of the obedience curse and Ella’s journey of self-discovery.
What age group is Ella Enchanted suitable for?
Ella Enchanted is generally recommended for readers aged 8 to 12 years old, but its themes of independence, self-discovery, and friendship can resonate with readers of all ages.
Are there any adaptations of Ella Enchanted?
Yes, Ella Enchanted was adapted into a live-action film in 2004, starring Anne Hathaway as Ella and Hugh Dancy as Prince Char.
Ella Enchanted Quotes
- ”My name is Ella, and I was born with the gift of obedience. It’s not a very good gift."
- "Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should."
- "I may have a curse on me, but I’m not helpless.”