Tale Of The Handkerchief Thesis

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Thesis: Much like waving a white flag, Emma Donoghue’s use of the colour white in “The Tale of the Handkerchief" is symbolic of both surrender, and the refusal to do so for the Princess and the maid. As the story unfolds and the white items signifying surrender are changed, so too are the Princess and the maid, and it becomes clear that it is the position, and not the person who occupies it, which determines whether or not surrender is an option. Supporting Statement 1: From her introduction on her mother’s white horse to her acceptance of the white handkerchief in unquestioning obedience to her betrothal, the colour white signifies the Princess’ surrender to the life chosen for her. Supporting Statement 2: As the maid throws the white