Mahadeo Singh

FIQWS 10105
Professor von Uhl
October 6, 2016
The Females of Literature
Throughout various pieces of literature, there are female protagonists that portray unique
qualities that are significant to the story. In particular, creators of fairy tales use the female
protagonist to create the morals and ideologies behind the tale. In doing so, they showcase the
characters inner strength that are set aside from the story itself. The revelations of the characters
characteristics create a sense of urgency and optimism for readers everywhere. As portrayed in
the Grimms fairy tales, it is a violent world becausethis seems to be the lesson of the
Grimmsevil is objective presence in the world (Berman). This magical or mythical world is
created to showcase, good vs evil in society through the use of individual actions by the
characters themselves. The story of Draupadi, written by R.K. Narayan and Cinderella by the
Grimms, showcase the female protagonists by portraying them in an indigenous way. Draupadi
and Cinderella are shown in their stories through their comparisons, characteristics and gull,
which eventually lead to the two characters fortitude and boldness through the use of plot
development.
There are noticeable differences between the writing of Cinderella compared to the
original writing of Draupadis character. One thing is for sure, Cinderella got her prince
charming and Draupadi got her five husbands by obeying the wishes of her mother-in-law.
Unlike Draupadi, after the ball Cinderellas character is the opposite: she comes home missing
what she had when she set out. Cinderella does not experience any perceivable growth or

transformation (Baum). She just comes home and returns to normal as if nothing happened.
Furthermore, Draupadi goes through a journey with her husbands, learning lessons and skills
along the way. Even though both characters are loyal (Cinderella to her stepmother and Draupadi
to her mother-in-law), they are much different characters. Cinderella is written just to show
what we worship in her is not what she is but what she gets (Baum). Everyone gets caught up
with the idea of her riding away into the sunset with prince charming. Moreover, Draupadi is
brave and stands up for what is right. She questions her superiority by calling on her god and
using her wisdom for good, in order to get out of trouble. It is clearly shown in the writing, that
Cinderella does not question herself or superiority. She conceals her feelings of hurt and
frustration with her life on the inside. From her perspective, she believes that her mother and god
are with her and all is going to be right through grace. In addition, both stories incorporate the
use of faith and religion. In Cinderella, there is something very Christian in the tales
assumption that authentic goodness goes hand in hand with a simple folk piety (Berman).
Similarly, Draupadis character meditates and calls upon her god to solve her problem. The role
of religion is shown as the characters justification for their problems and well-being. Both
characters represent role models in the stories. Cinderella is a role in which the story and the plot
make her one, because she found true love. However, Draupadi is a real role model because her
characteristics exemplifies her induvial self when facing horrific problems in her life. She uses
her unique qualities to solve problems and overtake obstacles, which is what defines a role
model, someone to look up to.
The female protagonists in both stories have specific characteristics that portray them
with honor, bravery, and yes even gall. Protagonists serve as the drive behind the stories. Using
their characteristics, actions begin to develop that creates the story itself.