Real fairy tales are not for the fainthearted. Children get eaten by witches and chased by wolves; women fall into comas and are tortured by evil relatives. Somehow all that pain and suffering is worthwhile, though, when it leads to the ending: happily ever after. Suddenly it no longer matters if you got a B- on your midterm in French or you're the only girl in the school who doesn't have a date for the spring formal. Happily ever after trumps everything. But what if ever after could change?
Real fairy tales often depict dark and frightening scenarios, including children who face grim fates at the hands of witches and wolves. Despite the suffering and trials faced by the characters, these stories culminate in the promise of a 'happily ever after,' suggesting that all hardships are worthwhile for a joyful conclusion. This idea resonates with readers, offering comfort in the belief that eventual happiness can overshadow temporary setbacks in life.
However, the narrative challenges the conventional notion of a static happy ending by questioning if the concept of 'ever after' is fixed. The characters in "Between the Lines" by Jodi Picoult explore the fluidity of their fates and how life’s complexities can alter the fairy tale outline, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of happiness and the unpredictable paths we take.
