From Damsel to Heroine: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Robert Munsch’s The Paper Bag Princess

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the gender stereotypes that are challenged in The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. Princess Elizabeth and Prince Ronald's traits are examined to find how gender stereotypes are challenged throughout the story. This study intends to discover the answers to two research questions, which are 1) how gender stereotypes have been challenged? and 2) how is the writer’s critical position about the discourse of gender stereotypes, especially through Princess Elizabeth and Prince Ronald’s characters? This analysis uses a qualitative method. The primary data are taken from the book, while the secondary data came from relevant journals and online articles about gender stereotypes and gender studies in general, both in literature and in society. All the data are analyzed using Hall’s representation theory, utilizing discursive approach from Michel Foucault to reveal Munsch’s critical position. The findings show that Princess Elizabeth challenged the traditional gender stereotypes by becoming the heroine, while Prince Ronald challenged the stereotypes by doing nothing at all. The ending of the story also reveals an important discourse about how gender stereotypes are reconstructed and shown differently from the usual ending of a princess’s tales. Robert Munsch consistently portrays Elizabeth as reliable, witty, and brave, and finds another purpose in her life, showing how he challenges traditional gender narratives.