Of Princess and Politics

A very common character found in young adult books of the fantasy genre is the "Rebellious Princess". Often, it is the main character who is a rebellious princess or, if the main character is a male, his love interest. Although there have been many Rebellious Princes in literature, most of the character with this archetype is female, someone nobly born (despite the name, she needn't to be royal) from a good and important family who chafes at having to learn embroidery, manners, the piano-forte, and all of the things that are socially acceptable for a young lady of her birth to learn. She instead yearns to play swords and ride horses unchaperoned, wear breeches instead of gowns, openly insults the noble guests who have come to her fathers' hall, generally talk in an uncouth manner. I don't have anything against anyone that wants to defy gender expectations and wear breeches and ride horses; you do you. However I've observed that these types of characters often dismiss politics and diplomacy as fripperies, preferring to solve problems with force and swords. As a pacifist with keen interest on diplomacy and politics, I take offense in them being dismissed as "fripperies".

A lot of fantasy takes place in worlds resembling Medieval or Renaissance Europe, so one must take account the role of a noblewoman relating to diplomacy and politics in our Medieval/Renaissance Europe. Contrary to popular opinion, princesses do not sit around all the day doing nothing but embroidery work. A princess or a noblewoman in Medieval/Renaissance Europe, especially those who live in the Continent, certainly would have been busy receiving noble guests from all over the continent, particularly female relations of their husband/father/brother's guests. Yes, they do sit around and drink tea and talk about fashion, but noblewomen in those era play an important part too in spreading information or (mis)information. In a period where neighboring countries war frequently, information is vital to the success of military campaigns or peace accords. Gossips, literally, can change how wars end.  Scandals, hearsay, and rumors can shatter pacts and alliances or form new ones.

Etiquette and manners are thus important. Frayed relations means that people would jump at the slightest opening to undermine you. A false remark blown out of proportions. A wrong gesture to the wrong person. An imaginary or not-so imaginary snubs. Dresses that are too fashionable or not fashionable enough. Any of these can be a reason for turning away would-be allies or incensing old friends. It is important for a princess, indeed for any noblewoman, to learn how to best present themselves for the advantage of her house. Embroidery too is not a mere trifle hobby. In an age where most women are illiterate, embroidery is sometimes used to code secret messages and tell stories for those who do not have access to words.

Politics and diplomacy of nations are delicate matters yet they affect millions of people. Almost all of the rulers and decision-makers are men, yes, but women held powers too, albeit in the background. In the form of wives, mothers, and sisters, women played their part in politics through influencing the menfolk. It would be an exaggeration to say that women have enough power to completely influence their menfolk, manipulating them to follow their desire, but they still have power nonetheless. And this power they achieve without swords or force.

While I'll support any girl who prefer swords over sewing, I find that the attitude some books have, deriding girls who love sewing and etiquette lessons as mindless bimbos and dismissing the importance of manners and diplomacy, to be annoying and not to mention disingenuous. Power can be achieved through force and power can be achieved without force. Power taken by force is not superior than power taken through peaceful means. In fact, as a pacifist, I shall say that power taken through peaceful means are inherently superior than those taken by force. Dresses and etiquette are not fripperies and those who indulge in them are not less just because they conform to the then-socially acceptable notions of feminine pursuits.