TL;DR
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine is a Newbery Honor-winning tale of a girl cursed with obedience who goes on a quest to break the spell and achieve true freedom.
What is Ella Enchanted about
Ella Enchanted, written by Gail Carson Levine, is a retelling of the Cinderella story with a unique twist. The protagonist, Ella of Frell, is cursed at birth by an imprudent fairy named Lucinda, who bestows upon her the 'gift' of obedience. This enchantment forces Ella to obey any command given to her, no matter how harmful or nonsensical. Refusing to accept her fate, Ella embarks on a daring quest to lift the curse, navigating a world filled with princes, ogres, giants, and wicked stepfamily members. Set against a rich backdrop of fairy-tale elements, the story explores themes of self-determination and resilience.
Ella Enchanted 6 Key Takeaways
The Curse of Obedience
Ella is cursed at birth by the fairy Lucinda, who gives her the 'gift' of obedience. This curse forces Ella to obey any order given to her, turning her life into a constant struggle to resist harmful commands.
Ella's Mother's Death
After her mother's death, Ella's life becomes even more complicated as she is left to deal with her cruel stepmother, Dame Olga, and her malicious stepsisters, Hattie and Olive.
Meeting Prince Charmont
Ella forms a close friendship with Prince Charmont, or Char, but fears that her curse will endanger him, preventing her from pursuing a romantic relationship with him.
The Quest to Break the Curse
Determined to break free from the curse, Ella sets out on a journey to find Lucinda and convince her to lift the spell, facing numerous challenges and adventures along the way.
Breaking the Curse
In a climactic moment, Prince Char commands Ella to marry him. Struggling against the curse, she finally manages to say 'No,' thereby breaking the spell and freeing herself from the curse of obedience.
Happily Ever After
With the curse broken, Ella and Prince Char are able to truly be together, and they eventually marry, living happily ever after.
Top Ella Enchanted Quotes
- 'Instead of making me docile, Lucinda's curse made a rebel of me.'
- 'No matter how miserable I was, I always wanted to stick it out for as long as I could.'
Who should read Ella Enchanted?
Ella Enchanted is perfect for young readers, especially those aged 10-14, who enjoy fairy-tale retellings with strong, relatable heroines. Adults who appreciate inventive storytelling and themes of independence and resilience will also find much to love in this enchanting tale.
Ella Enchanted Best Reviews
- 'Ella Enchanted is a rich and inventive retelling of the Cinderella story that will captivate readers of all ages.' – Publishers Weekly
- 'A spellbinding tale that will leave readers enchanted from beginning to end.' – School Library Journal
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Ella Enchanted FAQs
What is the story of Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine?
Ella Enchanted tells the story of Ella of Frell, who is cursed with obedience by a fairy named Lucinda. Determined to break the curse, Ella embarks on a quest filled with adventure, meeting friends and foes along the way.
Is there romance in Ella Enchanted?
Yes, there is a romantic subplot involving Ella and Prince Charmont. Although Ella initially resists her feelings due to the curse, they ultimately find love once the curse is broken.
How old is Ella in Ella Enchanted?
In the novel, Ella ages from about 15 to 18 years old as she navigates various challenges and adventures in a magical kingdom.