Ella Enchanted

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

Chapters 11-19

Chapters 20-29 and Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Themes

Magic

Magic is inextricably woven into life in Kyyria. Ella is both cursed and blessed by magical powers; when she is just a baby, the “fool of a fairy” Lucinda curses her into a life of obedience (3). Yet, Ella also benefits from small magic and magical gifts, such as the enchanted book of fairy tales, from her fairy godmother Mandy. Therefore, magic is not a uniformly positive or negative force in Ella Enchanted, but rather a fickle element which can be wielded for better or for worse depending on its source. Similarly, magical creatures can bring both good and evil.

As Ella travels to the giant’s wedding, she interacts with elves, ogres, and fairies, all of which are imbued with magical powers. The elves, who are perceptive and kind, identify Ella’s inner goodness (unlike her “sly” father); they host Ella for a feast and supply her with provisions and gifts. On the other hand, the ogres see Ella’s curse with their own magic, and exploit it to prevent her from running away so that they can eat her. The fairy Lucinda epitomizes magic’s duality; she originally uses her powers irresponsibly and brings anguish and heartache to her victims, but later reforms and helps Ella to arrive in a pumpkin carriage to Char’s balls.

Romantic Love

Romantic Love is one of the driving forces of the plot. It is Ella’s love for Char which allows her to break the obedience curse. Ella helps Char to transcend his own circumstances as well. The people of Kyyria treat Char with constant groveling and obsequiousness, and Ella’s humor and silliness are a relief and joy to him. When they meet for the second time at the animal menagerie, everyone bows to Char. In contrast, Ella illustrates her knowledge of the world’s languages, and makes Char laugh by imitating a centaur begging for an apple. Char tells Ella that he likes her: “I’m quite taken with you,” foreshadowing their eventual romantic relationship (41). It is clear from this encounter that it is Ella’s light-hearted kindness and sense of humor which initially intrigues Char.

Char’s love for Ella goes beyond his admiration for her humor. Later, when they correspond by letter, Char realizes that he also finds Ella “interesting, thoughtful, and (occasionally) serious” (181). As for Ella, it is Char’s innate “goodness [which] kept [her] in love” (232). In Ella Enchanted, the ideal of romantic love is not skin deep. It extends beyond surface attraction. Goodness, the novel suggests, is beautiful.

Ella and Char’s relationship does not conform to tropes of traditional fairy tales, which feature brave, noble men falling in love with beautiful but ultimately helpless women. Instead, Ella and Char are characterized as equal partners who enjoy a relationship of equality, intelligence, an eagerness to travel and learn, and a sense of humor and fun. Unlike traditional fairy tale endings, Ella’s “happily ever after” features her occupying the roles of Court Linguist and Cook’s Helper; she is not merely an ornamental princess (232).

The Power of Family and Friendship

Platonic love may be an even more powerful force than romantic love. The novel emphasizes the importance of loving friends and family, particularly during times of hardship. Ella’s mother, Eleanor, loves and cherishes Ella and instills in her a sense of light-hearted fun. When her father sends Ella away to finishing school after Eleanor’s death, it is Mandy’s unwavering love and support—not Char’s—that helps Ella to persevere: “The door opened. It was Mandy […] she held me for a long while” (36).

Even in absence, Mandy’s support persists. She stays connected with Ella through the enchanted book of fairy tales. Later, when Ella is enslaved by her stepfamily, Mandy saves Ella from the other servants’ cruelty by insisting that Ella be her scullery maid. Mandy also helps Ella to deliver letters to Char, comforts her after she has to reject Char’s proposal, and helps her to secretly attend Char’s balls. Mandy’s position as a loving mother figure to Ella is cemented when she becomes godmother to Char and Ella’s children.

At finishing school, Areida becomes Ella’s “only comfort,” and is “kinder than anyone [Ella had] ever known” (77) Just as Mandy was an ally to Ella in an unhappy household after Ella’s mother’s death, Areida is a supportive and kind friend to Ella at finishing school. Areida and Ella learn languages together, laugh together, and cry together. Areida is an ally to Ella amidst antagonists, like Hattie and the strict and demanding mistresses. Areida’s kindness is contrasted with the teachers and students’ snobbery and meanness. Areida’s kindness helps Ella to survive an exceptionally trying and lonely time. The depth of Ella’s love for her is evident when she runs away from finishing school rather than betray her.