Tacbad, Samantha Grace T.

Great Books
CS401-A MIDTERMS

Using the story assigned from the storybook of the Grimm Brothers, write a short essay about
what you think the story is about. Create three questions you want to know about the story.

● Background of the authors/date of publishing

● Characters
● Plot
● Sequence
● Conflict
● Theme
● Application in real life and to self

Short essay:

This particular fairy tale was first published by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm. They
included it in a collection called “Kinder- und Hausmärchen” (Children's and Household Tales) in
1812. Consequently, it is an enduring story that has stood the test of time which features
characters such as princesses, frogs (later turning into a prince) and Iron Henry who is the
prince’s faithful servant. The princess drops her golden ball into a well and the frog offers to
help out but only if he can be with her for company. She agrees reluctantly but then reconsiders
later when she is supposed to keep this promise thereby putting into conflict her obligations
towards herself versus those towards other people.

The frog proves himself helpful and loyal therefore winning over the princess who had been
hitherto cold to him as he asks for shared meals with her and shares beddings. But when he
demands to eat from her plate, sit on her lap, or even sleep on her pillow things become more
difficult. When she promises not to share meals or allow the creature onto her bed at night, yet
later does so anyway; she must struggle between keeping true to a word given in good faith
against being weak thus failing trust.

The moral of this story is that we should keep our promises whatever they may cost us because
kindness can change everything. In reality, “The Frog Prince” reminds people about how
important it is not to break one's word under any circumstances.
Tacbad, Samantha Grace T. Great Books
CS401-A MIDTERMS

Questions & Answers:

1. Why does the princess initially acquiesce to the frog’s demand and what changes does she
undergo in her understanding of him?

Initially, the princess agrees with the frog's request to have him fetch her golden ball from the
well since she is unable to do that by herself. However, as he proves himself useful and loyal,
her attitude towards the frog moves from refusal to acceptance. In this regard, her commitment
towards keeping his promise leads to the transformation of a frog into a prince.

2. How does Iron Henry’s role in this story contribute to its overall themes and message?

Iron Henry acts as a faithful servant for the prince and represents loyalty throughout his actions.
It emphasizes loyalty and devotion among couples; moreover, it reveals love, redemption and
freedom from curses as its main motifs. Upon being transformed from a sorry state when his
master changes form, it also conveys an idea of seamless and joyful liberation that may come
through one's faithfulness in remaining true to their words.

3. What messages can be taken away from “The Frog Prince” in relation to our real lives?

The importance of keeping promises and obligations even if they appear difficult or unpleasant
is one of them which can be learned through reading about the journey of a princess in “The
Frog Prince.”