Theme and message

Transformation

The main theme explored in the fairy tale “The Well of the World’s End” is transformation.

The deeper meanings of the story are left to the readers’ interpretation, as the different manifestations of the transformation theme are not immediately obvious.

The most obvious transformation that takes place in the tale is that of the frog into a handsome young prince. He is, in fact, returning to his human form, as he was cursed by an evil magician to become and stay a frog until a girl does what he wishes for one night. The deeper meaning of his transformation is suggested by the fact that, to turn him human again, the girl must cut off its head. The beheading as a symbol suggests that the prince gains awareness and does not live his life anymore just by following his...