Portela presents a twisted fairytale-style story with an important message about the impacts of patriarchy and issues of gendered violence. Particularly, I noticed that the narrator uses far more derogatory and disrespectful language when describing the women in this story. This effect is emphasized by the fairytale context; we expect women to fit within a particular fantasy within this genre, but these descriptions are strikingly harsh. Through this demeaning language and critical tone, patriarchal ideology is demonstrated. The narrator, Regan, is particularly self-deprecating about her appearance, perhaps suggesting an element of internalized misogyny. However, another example of the patriarchy in action in this story is the abrupt switch in the description of Cleis from a “sweet little orphan” (pg 4) to a “horrible little orphan” (pg 5) after she accuses the millionaire of assault. This language presents a victim-blaming attitude, how could a man ever be at fault for hurting a woman? This is a patriarchal society that protects men and their aggression towards women, particularly if they have money. For example, the millionaire easily wipes away his crime of femicide with the work of his lawyers. The change in the description of Cleis from ‘sweet’ to ‘horrible’ also suggests that women’s bodies only have value if and when they are obedient and conform to the desires of men.

Traditionally, fairy tales present the man as a hero. In this story, despite the explicit femicide by the man in this story, he is still extremely desired by other women, particularly for his wealth, reflecting an element of desperation. Additionally, the way that women will demean themselves to be with a man for his wealth is potentially reflective of the desperation of Cuban’s during the Special Period. Despite Cleis warning others that Prince Charming is a ‘demented sicko’ (pg 5), Lotta still gets engaged to him, she takes the risk for the money. It seems that Portela is attempting to critique the persistence of patriarchal ideology; it is explicit, internalized, and pervasive.