The Ugly Duckling

[RumplesGirl]

There are two lines of thought about the fairy tale “The Ugly Duckling” presented in this episode.

–August version: the duckling changed into a swan because it never stopped believing it could be a swan. Moral: never stop believing

–Emma’s version: the duckling was never a duckling; it was always a swan but it took finding its community for it to understand and see that for itself. Moral: it takes having a community for us to be who we are.

Now, apart from the fact that Emma’s version is actually more closely aligned with the Andersen story, which version is the better thesis statement for OUAT? Are they both equally true? Are they more true for some characters than others?

 

[TheWatcher]

which version is the better thesis statement for OUAT?

I think August’s is more in line with the themes of hope the show has always had from the very beginning.  Henry has said similar things, and to quote Mary Margaret from season 3, episode 11: ” What do you think fairytales are? They are a reminder that our lives will get better if we just hold on to hope” which I think perfectly aligns with what August is saying. OUAT has always been about hope even when all the odds are stacked against you, even when there is a curse coming that you are powerless to stop, or if you are a person who has had such a terrible life but you just want a happy ending, there’s always the chance for things to change for the better. Every character has gone through this. To quote MM again: “Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a very powerful thing.”

"I could have the giant duck as my steed!" --Daniel Radcliffe
Keeper Of Tamara's Taser , Jafar's Staff, Kitsis’s Glasses , Ariel’s Tail, Dopey's Hat , Peter Pan’s Shadow, Outfit, & Pied Cloak,Red Queen's Castle, White Rabbit's Power To World Hop, Zelena's BroomStick, & ALL MAGIC

[Slurpeez]

Young Emma’s version was way better. The swan was always a swan, even when she she didn’t realize it, but she did eventually thanks to her family. It’s so much better than *insert magic answer here* and a far more positive message than the tale August sold her and then tried to sell to us. Nope.

"That’s how you know you’ve really got a home. When you leave it, there’s this feeling that you can’t shake. You just miss it." Neal Cassidy

[RumplesGirl]

RumplesGirl wrote:

Now, apart from the fact that Emma’s version is actually more closely aligned with the Andersen story, which version is the better thesis statement for OUAT? Are they both equally true? Are they more true for some characters than others?

Young Emma’s version was way better. The swan was always a swan, even when she she didn’t realize it, but she did eventually thanks to her family. It’s so much better than *insert magic answer here* and a far more positive message than the tale August sold her and then tried to sell to us. Nope.

Quote

100% agree. I was quite bothered that August’s version was given more weight in the end. The Ugly Duckling (Emma’s version of it) matches Emma’s own journey. I get why the show likes August’s version–and it matches August’s own perspective given his life and his experiences with belief–but Emma’s 6 season journey scans almost perfectly with the fairy tale and her take on it.

"He was a lot of things to me" "The only conclusion was love"

[sciencevsmagic]

I prefer Emma’s version. You can’t change who you are fundamentally; but you CAN become one of the possible versions of yourself, for better or for worse. That’s hope.

However, I’m not hugely surprised that August’s version was given more weight. “Hope” on OUAT is a buzzword, used profusely, yet superficially, without definition, exploration or depth. Several characters have, for instance, had unhappy endings, including death. What are we supposed to infer from this, OUAT being about “hope” and all? It could be that pain is part of life, but we can go on and even thrive. However, I’ve never felt that this was made clear. In recent times, I’ve had the impression that “hope” is about finding your perfect romantic partner and settling down and having 2.3 kids.

 

[thedarkonedearie]

I guess I didn’t feel liek August’s version got more weight.  I think both are very powerful messages and it depends on the person.  Some people have the ability in them since the beginning and just need the help from people who love you to bring it out.  Some people may not have that kind of support or resources around them and need to reach down and change themselves to become the better person they can be.  Both messages are important.  For Emma, I think the young Emma version suits her character better.  But for OUAT as a whole, I think both are important and relevant.

[hjbau]

I think the belief line is more what Ouat is doing. I think Emma’s way of thinking, that she was always the Swan just had to find her people, is more interesting. I think the idea of belief saving Emma from her death is more likely where this season is going, if Jennifer Morrison stays on the show, but i think the idea that Emma was always the savior, this was always her fate, but that it is her family that will save her in the end is more interesting. I think that won’t be what happens though.

I do think that the belief thing was given more weight because it was what Emma talked about when she was able to throw Gideon back and run him off.

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