Heroes And Heroes In Yolen's Briar Rose

Yolen’s heroes and heroines are inspired by fairy tales; however, they still reflect the reality which surrounds them.

In Yolen’s Briar Rose, heroes and heroines are inspired by fairy tales still reflecting the reality which surrounds them. This is seen, for example, in her characters who are inspired by fairy tales. In reality, these characters represent the real life experiences of those who lived through the Holocaust and the heroes of World War two. The heroes and heroines in Yolen’s Briar Rose include; Gemma, Becca, Josef and Aron, real people who experience real living moments which are incorporated in the allegorical nature of the novel. Amongst the allegorical tale, the element of good triumphing over evil, where life is won only after life-threatening difficulties, is evident. The horrifying experience of the Holocaust is intertwined with the compelling story of Sleeping Beauty where the inspiration of heroes and heroines come about whilst still reflecting reality.

Briar Rose is an allegory of Gemma’s life. Gemma, the main princess or “Ksiezniczka”, is inspired by Sleeping Beauty. Gemma
Belonging to the second partisan group which Josef joins, Aron is shown to have two heroic movements and acts of bravery. It is Aron who jumps into the pit of bodies, showing no fear, to rescue Gemma. This act of bravery and heroism is inspired by the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty as the prince forces his hands into thorns whilst reflecting the reality of Aron jumping into the mass grave “he…leaped down into that hellish pit…when he stood again…he held a single body in his arms.” Aron once again proves himself as a hero as he tries to save Gemma when at the water’s edge when bullets are sprayed through the air, being killed in the process. The idea of having two princes who both save the princess subverts the fairy tale genre as there is one prince who always dominates and is able to