The Paper Bag Princess Summary

Overview

• Title: The Paper Bag Princess
• Author: Robert N. Munsch
• Themes: Bravery, Independence, Subverting Stereotypes

Summary

Introduction

• Character: Princess Elizabeth, beautiful and engaged to Prince Ronald.
• Setting: A castle, pre-dragon destruction.

The Dragon's Attack

• Event: A dragon attacks, destroying the castle and kidnapping Prince Ronald.
• Elizabeth's Resolve: Despite losing everything, Elizabeth decides to rescue Ronald.

The Paper Bag

• Situation: All her clothes destroyed, Elizabeth dons a paper bag.
• Journey: She tracks the dragon, using his trail of destruction as a guide.

Confronting the Dragon

• First Encounter: The dragon, too full to eat Elizabeth, dismisses her.
• Elizabeth's Strategy: She flatters the dragon about his abilities.

The Dragon's Exhaustion

• Challenge 1: Elizabeth tricks the dragon into burning fifty, then a hundred forests.
• Outcome: The dragon loses his fire.
• Challenge 2: She baits him into flying around the world twice.
• Result: Exhausted, the dragon falls asleep.

Rescuing Ronald

• Discovery: Elizabeth finds Ronald in the dragon's cave.
• Ronald's Reaction: He criticizes Elizabeth's appearance, focusing on her lack of princess-like attire.

The Twist

• Elizabeth's Realization: Recognizing Ronald's superficiality and lack of gratitude.
• Parting Words: Elizabeth calls Ronald a "toad", rejecting traditional princess behavior.

Conclusion

• Decision: They do not get married, implying Elizabeth's independence and self-respect.