Lauren Frisone

Oct. 2011

HUM 81

Prof. Katz

                                             Book Review-Modern Fantasy

In William Steig’s picture book Shrek!, on which the computer-animated film adaptation was based, the protagonist is a green-headed ogre so hideous that ‘any snake dumb enough to bite him instantly gets convulsions and dies’. Kicked out of home by his parents, Shrek comes upon a witch, who (after recovering from the sight of him) prophesises his marriage to a princess even uglier than he is. Shrek sets off in search of his beastly princess, slogging along the road, giving off his awful fumes’. He eventually finds her (though not before scaring half the countryside), and the two ogres are united in marriage.

 Steig’s wonderfully irreverent tale provides a literary example of what are known as positive illusions in romantic partner perceptions. Despite her monstrosity, Shrek sees in his princess such beauty that only he can comprehend. That is, he idealist  his hideous princess, seeing virtues in her that may not be apparent to observers. 

In reality, our everyday experiences of social worlds and interactions are based, on perceptions and cognitions that deviate from reality. What most judge on the outside esthetically, lies on the old saying, "don't judge a book by its cover", the moral to the story. Also, if someone, no matter what they look like, has extreme confidence in themselves, caring-less what others may think, can boost self-esteem, and enhance any relationship.

The character in the book was not like able because of his appearance but because of his confidence in himself, he found happiness. He also, enhance his repulsive brides, by breaking down her wall of armor( the knight) by defeating it with his persistence and confidence.

The pictures in the book where not zoo good and didn't keep me interested in the story. Though I did like the vocabulary. The author used extensive vocal and also, used rhyming to story tell.