In Jane Yolen's "Curse of the Thirteenth Fey: The True Tale of Sleeping Beauty," the complex dynamics between desire and fulfillment are explored through the lens of the titular curse. The quote highlights the struggle that arises when one's wants clash with reality. The relationship between wanting and getting often leads to disappointment and conflict, indicating that achieving one's desires may not bring the anticipated joy or satisfaction.

Yolen's narrative delves into the consequences of this struggle, demonstrating that what we yearn for can lead to unexpected challenges. The phrase serves as a reminder that desire and fulfillment are intertwined yet fraught with difficulties, suggesting that longing often comes with a sense of bitterness. This theme poses important questions about the nature of happiness and the true costs of our aspirations.