6\. She Laughs Too Much
by George MacDonald · from The Light Princess
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there was a princess. Her name was Princess Joy. She always laughed! Princess Joy grew up. She laughed at all things. She did not know sad feelings. King Robert was her father. Queen Alice was her mother. They were sometimes sad. Princess Joy did not know why.
Queen Alice cried sometimes. Princess Joy laughed. "Funny mamma," she said. King Robert was cross. He spoke loudly. Princess Joy laughed more. She clapped her hands. "Do it again, papa!" she said. She thought it was a fun game.
Princess Joy could float. She floated above King Robert. He could not catch her. She liked to play this game. Her parents talked. They talked about her. Princess Joy floated above them. She looked down. She giggled. It was a secret game.
One day, Princess Joy played outside. She saw King Robert. He was far away. She wanted to run to him. She saw a big toad. It was Mr. Warty. She picked up Mr. Warty. She held him in her hand. She jumped and ran. Mr. Warty helped her land.
Princess Joy ran fast. She was almost at King Robert. A big wind blew. It pushed Princess Joy. She floated to a boy. His name was Young Tom. Young Tom was a page. Princess Joy kissed him. It was an accident.
Princess Joy could not stop quickly. She tried to move away. Mr. Warty was still in her hand. Mr. Warty bumped Young Tom's face. He bumped his cheek. It was an accident. Princess Joy did not mean it. She just laughed.
King Robert saw it all. He was not happy. He looked cross. Young Tom felt surprised. He felt a little silly. He did not laugh. Princess Joy did not know why. She just kept laughing.
Princess Joy always laughed. Her laugh was happy. She did not know sad feelings. She did not know worry. She was always full of joy. She was a happy princess. She did not understand sad things. She only knew happiness.
Princess Joy still laughed. She did not know why others were sad. She was always happy.
Original Story
6. She Laughs Too Much.
Meantime, notwithstanding awkward occurrences, and griefs that she brought upon her parents, the little princess laughed and grew—not fat, but plump and tall. She reached the age of seventeen, without having fallen into any worse scrape than a chimney; by rescuing her from which, a little bird-nesting urchin got fame and a black face. Nor, thoughtless as she was, had she committed anything worse than laughter at everybody and everything that came in her way. When she was told, for the sake of experiment, that General Clanrunfort was cut to pieces with all his troops, she laughed; when she heard that the enemy was on his way to besiege her papa's capital, she laughed hugely; but when she was told that the city would certainly be abandoned to the mercy of the enemy's soldiery—why, then she laughed immoderately. She never could be brought to see the serious side of anything. When her mother cried, she said,—
"What queer faces mamma makes! And she squeezes water out of her cheeks? Funny mamma!"
And when her papa stormed at her, she laughed, and danced round and round him, clapping her hands, and crying—
"Do it again, papa. Do it again! It's SUCH fun! Dear, funny papa!"
And if he tried to catch her, she glided from him in an instant, not in the least afraid of him, but thinking it part of the game not to be caught. With one push of her foot, she would be floating in the air above his head; or she would go dancing backwards and forwards and sideways, like a great butterfly. It happened several times, when her father and mother were holding a consultation about her in private, that they were interrupted by vainly repressed outbursts of laughter over their heads; and looking up with indignation, saw her floating at full length in the air above them, whence she regarded them with the most comical appreciation of the position.
One day an awkward accident happened. The princess had come out upon the lawn with one of her attendants, who held her by the hand. Spying her father at the other side of the lawn, she snatched her hand from the maid's, and sped across to him. Now when she wanted to run alone, her custom was to catch up a stone in each hand, so that she might come down again after a bound. Whatever she wore as part of her attire had no effect in this way: even gold, when it thus became as it were a part of herself, lost all its weight for the time. But whatever she only held in her hands retained its downward tendency. On this occasion she could see nothing to catch up but a huge toad, that was walking across the lawn as if he had a hundred years to do it in. Not knowing what disgust meant, for this was one of her peculiarities, she snatched up the toad and bounded away. She had almost reached her father, and he was holding out his arms to receive her, and take from her lips the kiss which hovered on them like a butterfly on a rosebud, when a puff of wind blew her aside into the arms of a young page, who had just been receiving a message from his Majesty. Now it was no great peculiarity in the princess that, once she was set agoing, it always cost her time and trouble to check herself. On this occasion there was no time. She must kiss-and she kissed the page. She did not mind it much; for she had no shyness in her composition; and she knew, besides, that she could not help it. So she only laughed, like a musical box. The poor page fared the worst. For the princess, trying to correct the unfortunate tendency of the kiss, put out her hands to keep her off the page; so that, along with the kiss, he received, on the other cheek, a slap with the huge black toad, which she poked right into his eye. He tried to laugh, too, but the attempt resulted in such an odd contortion of countenance, as showed that there was no danger of his pluming himself on the kiss. As for the king, his dignity was greatly hurt, and he did not speak to the page for a whole month.
I may here remark that it was very amusing to see her run, if her mode of progression could properly be called running. For first she would make a bound; then, having alighted, she would run a few steps, and make another bound. Sometimes she would fancy she had reached the ground before she actually had, and her feet would go backwards and forwards, running upon nothing at all, like those of a chicken on its back. Then she would laugh like the very spirit of fun; only in her laugh there was something missing. What it was, I find myself unable to describe. I think it was a certain tone, depending upon the possibility of sorrow—MORBIDEZZA, perhaps. She never smiled.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A princess grows up with an uncontrollable, thoughtless laughter and an inability to perceive anything seriously, much to her parents' dismay. She finds their anger and sorrow amusing, and often floats in the air to evade them or observe them comically. One day, while running with a toad for weight, a gust of wind causes her to accidentally kiss a page and simultaneously slap him with the toad. The incident offends the king and humiliates the page, while the narrator reflects on the missing 'morbidezza'—the possibility of sorrow—in the princess's otherwise joyful laughter.
Themes
Emotional Arc
unaware joy to potential for understanding
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
George MacDonald was a Victorian author, and his fairy tales often explore spiritual and philosophical themes, sometimes subtly critiquing societal norms or exploring the nature of innocence and experience.
Plot Beats (8)
- The princess grows up laughing at everything, unable to grasp seriousness or sorrow, causing grief to her parents.
- She finds her mother's tears and her father's anger amusing, treating them as games.
- She demonstrates an ability to float in the air, using it to evade her father and comically observe her parents' private discussions.
- One day, she runs across the lawn to her father, using a large toad for weight to help her land after bounds.
- A gust of wind diverts her, causing her to accidentally kiss a young page.
- Due to her inability to stop quickly, she also accidentally slaps the page with the toad, poking him in the eye.
- The king is greatly offended by the incident, and the page is left humiliated.
- The narrator observes that her laughter, while joyful, lacks a certain depth or 'morbidezza' that comes from the possibility of sorrow.
Characters
The Princess ★ protagonist
Plump and tall for her age of seventeen, with a light, almost weightless quality to her movements. She is agile and graceful, able to float and bound with ease.
Attire: Her attire is not explicitly detailed, but it is mentioned that whatever she wears 'as part of her attire' has no effect on her weightlessness. This suggests she wears typical royal garments, perhaps flowing gowns or dresses made of fine fabrics, which would allow for her airy movements. Given the era, a dress with a full skirt and perhaps a fitted bodice would be appropriate.
Wants: To find amusement and engage in playful interactions, driven by an inherent inability to perceive seriousness or sadness.
Flaw: Her inability to comprehend seriousness, sorrow, or disgust. This makes her appear insensitive and can lead to awkward or hurtful situations.
The story presents her as static, unchanging in her perpetual laughter and inability to grasp seriousness. There is no indication of an arc within this excerpt.
Thoughtless, perpetually amused, unburdened by seriousness, playful, uninhibited, and lacking empathy or understanding of sorrow.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young European princess, seventeen years old, with a plump but tall build, floating gracefully in the air. She has fair skin, round, wide-open eyes, and a face contorted in a wide, joyful laugh, but without a smile. Her long, wavy blonde hair flows behind her as if in motion. She wears a flowing, light blue silk gown with delicate silver embroidery at the hem and sleeves, and soft, flat slippers. Her hands are slightly outstretched as if in playful motion. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
Likely of a regal build, though his specific physical traits are not detailed. He is capable of storming and trying to catch his daughter, suggesting a certain physical presence.
Attire: As a king, he would wear formal royal attire. This would likely include a heavy, richly embroidered robe, possibly in deep colors like crimson or purple, with a crown or circlet, and fine leather shoes. The fabric would be substantial, contrasting with his daughter's lightness.
Wants: To maintain his royal dignity and to instill seriousness and proper behavior in his daughter.
Flaw: His inability to control his daughter's unique nature and his sensitivity to perceived slights to his dignity.
He remains frustrated and unable to change his daughter's nature, his dignity often being 'greatly hurt'.
Dignified, easily frustrated, authoritative, concerned about appearances, and somewhat stern.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult European king, of sturdy build, standing with a rigid, dignified posture. He has a stern expression, with a furrowed brow and a slight frown. His dark hair is neatly combed, and he has a short, well-trimmed beard. He wears a heavy, deep crimson velvet robe with gold embroidery on the lapels and cuffs, a white linen shirt underneath, and dark breeches. A golden circlet rests on his head. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Queen ◆ supporting
Her physical description is not provided, but she is capable of crying, suggesting a more emotional disposition than her daughter.
Attire: As a queen, she would wear elegant royal attire, likely a formal gown made of fine fabrics like silk or brocade, possibly with jewels or embroidery, in colors befitting her status. A modest crown or tiara would also be appropriate.
Wants: To understand and perhaps guide her daughter, and to cope with the challenges her daughter's nature presents.
Flaw: Her emotional vulnerability and her inability to make her daughter understand sorrow.
She remains a figure of sorrow and concern, unable to change her daughter's nature.
Emotional, prone to crying, concerned, and likely more serious than her daughter.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult European queen, of elegant build, standing with a slightly sorrowful posture. She has a gentle face, with soft, kind eyes that are slightly red from crying, and fair skin. Her dark brown hair is styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with a small silver tiara. She wears a flowing, deep blue velvet gown with intricate silver lace trim on the sleeves and neckline, and a pearl necklace. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Page ○ minor
A young man, likely slender and agile, as is typical for a page. His face is capable of 'odd contortion' due to pain.
Attire: As a page, he would wear a livery, typically a fitted tunic and breeches in the royal colors, perhaps with a short cape or cloak. The fabric would be sturdy wool or linen, practical for his duties.
Wants: To perform his duties for the King.
Flaw: His vulnerability to accidental harm due to the princess's actions.
He experiences a brief, painful, and humiliating incident, then is ignored by the King for a month.
Obedient, unfortunate, and tries to maintain composure despite pain.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young European male page, slender and in his late teens, standing with a slightly pained expression. He has short, neat brown hair and a clean-shaven face. One of his eyes is visibly red and slightly swollen. He wears a fitted tunic in royal blue with gold trim, white breeches, and knee-high brown leather boots. A small, rolled parchment is tucked into his belt. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Toad ○ minor
A 'huge black toad', walking slowly across the lawn. It is large enough to be held in one hand and used to slap someone.
Attire: None.
Wants: To cross the lawn.
Flaw: Being easily picked up and used as an object.
It is picked up, used in an accidental slap, and then presumably released or dropped.
Passive, unwitting participant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, warty black toad, with prominent eyes and a wide mouth. Its skin is dark and bumpy. It is captured mid-movement, with its legs splayed slightly as if walking. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Royal Palace Interior
The private consultation rooms of the King and Queen, likely adorned with rich tapestries, heavy drapes, and ornate furniture typical of a European monarchy, possibly with high ceilings. The princess often floats above their heads, indicating ample vertical space.
Mood: Initially serious and concerned due to the parents' discussions, but frequently disrupted by the princess's lighthearted, almost mocking laughter, making it feel whimsical and slightly chaotic.
The King and Queen hold private consultations about their daughter's peculiar nature, often interrupted by her floating and laughing above them.
Image Prompt & Upload
A richly appointed European palace interior, possibly a private study or drawing-room, with tall, leaded-glass windows filtering soft, diffused light into the room. Heavy, dark wood paneling lines the lower walls, topped by faded, intricate tapestries depicting historical scenes. A large, carved oak table sits centrally, laden with scrolls and an inkwell, flanked by high-backed, velvet-upholstered chairs. Dust motes dance in the shafts of light, highlighting the quiet grandeur. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Palace Lawn
A well-maintained expanse of green grass directly outside the palace, where the princess often plays. It is wide enough for her to make several bounds and runs. A large toad is seen crossing it.
Mood: Open, playful, and slightly chaotic due to the princess's unpredictable movements. The incident with the toad adds a touch of absurd humor.
The princess snatches up a toad to weigh herself down for running, then accidentally kisses a page and slaps him with the toad due to a gust of wind.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, perfectly manicured palace lawn stretches towards a grand, classical European palace facade in the background, bathed in the warm, low light of a late afternoon. The grass is a vibrant emerald green, meticulously cut, with faint stripes from mowing. A few scattered, ancient oak trees with spreading canopies cast long, soft shadows across the turf. The sky above is a clear, pale blue with a few wispy cirrus clouds. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
