Ella Enchanted
| Book Talk: An obedient child is looked upon with favor. An obedient child is a blessing. But is obedience truly a blessing? What if obedience to others rules your life? What if you are compelled to obey, no matter what the consequences might be, to yourself or to those you love? That is the situation for Ella of Frell. During her first hour of life, she cried so inconsolably that the fairy Lucinda, bestowed the gift of obedience upon her and told her to stop crying. Infant Ella stopped. As she grew, she would always have to obey any order given her. When told to drink her medicine or go to bed, she would immediately do as exactly as she was told. Harmless enough. But if she is told to hand over all of her money or to cut off her own head, she must also do that, too. Even her fairy godmother can offer no escape. Interference in a spell is “big” magic and big magic always has consequences that are better avoided. What can poor Ella do? Must she always be a slave to those who would take advantage of her “gift?” Can she find a way to escape her fate? A happy ending seems in doubt, but somehow courage and love may find a way.
(Alice P. Brice)
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The author of this site, Ann Ryan, may be reached at ARyan@bayless.k12.mo.us.
This page was last updated July 8, 2008.
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