Abjection In The Story Of Donkeyskin

I believe that the prevalence of abjection in our society should be limited and we can potentially accomplish this by discussing specific abject topics. When abjection results in discrimination or damaging an individual’s well-being, the topic needs to be publicized so it doesn’t occur as frequently. I think an innovative way to introduce these topics could be through fairytales and storytelling because the foundation of these problems can be addressed in a manner that is appealing or interesting to many different people. In the stories that we have read, abject topics such as discrimination, domestic violence, and jealousy are addressed this plays a major role in our lives because they tell us that it is alright to discuss nonconventional or socially unacceptable topics.
This story discusses the abject topic of appearance and how it often it affects the way individuals are treated. Discussing this idea in the story of Donkeyskin allows for a different perspective about the way someone is treated for having a nonconventional appearance, despite being the same on the inside. The prince overhears people talking in vain about Donkeyskin, “’There’s nothing beautiful about her, and she is not at all a nymph.’ She is called Donkeyskin because of the skin that she wears on her back. She’s the ideal remedy for someone in love. Simply put, only wolves are uglier than she is’” (Norton 113). Donkeyskin was originially praised and desired for her appearance; however, while hiding her beauty, she is shamed and ridiculed. At the end of the story, when Donkeyskin reveals her true form, I interpreted it as a symbol to show that everyone is the same on the inside which is why it is important to judge an individual’s character rather than the way they