In addition to famous short stories such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Cat-Bird Seat, humorist James Thurber authored numerous “fables for our time”. Many of these satirize the fable/fairy-tale form and, in so doing, provide commentary on aspects of modern society. In this story, a king decrees that he will give his spoiled daughter’s hand in marriage to the prince who brings her the gift she likes the most. Readers are left wondering whether she makes the right choice. Themes: parental pressure/expectations, materialism vs. romantic love, realistic vs. “fairy tale” endings.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (750 words)