Shrek!

Synopsis

Before Shrek made it big on the silver screen, there was William Steig's SHREK!, a book about an ordinary ogre who leaves his swampy childhood home to go out and see the world.

Ordinary, that is, if a foul and hideous being who ends up marrying the most stunningly ugly princess on the planet is what you consider ordinary.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Ogre's Home

* Summary:
* Introduces Shrek, a grumpy and solitary ogre who lives in a secluded swamp.
* He is content with his isolated existence but is disturbed by the arrival of a group of fairy tale creatures who have been evicted from their homes by Lord Farquaad.
* Example:
* The fairies include Cinderella, Snow White, and the Three Little Pigs, who plead with Shrek to help them find a new home.

Chapter 2: The Journey to Duloc

* Summary:
* Shrek reluctantly agrees to help the fairies and sets off on a journey to Duloc, where Farquaad is holding a tournament to find a wife.
* He is joined by a talkative donkey named Donkey who becomes his reluctant companion.
* Example:
* Donkey sings a cheerful tune as they travel through the forest, much to Shrek's annoyance.

Chapter 3: The Tournament

* Summary:
* Shrek and Donkey arrive at the tournament in Duloc and watch as various knights compete for Farquaad's hand.
* Shrek enters the tournament in disguise but is disqualified when he reveals his true identity as an ogre.
* Example:
* Farquaad reacts with disgust to Shrek's appearance and orders his guards to attack.

Chapter 4: The Rescue

* Summary:
* Farquaad reveals that he intends to marry Fiona, a beautiful princess who is imprisoned in a castle guarded by a dragon.
* Shrek agrees to rescue Fiona in exchange for Farquaad getting rid of the fairies from his swamp.
* Example:
* Shrek and Donkey face numerous obstacles as they approach the castle, including a giant gingerbread man and a swarm of bats.

Chapter 5: Fiona's Secret

* Summary:
* Shrek arrives at the castle and rescues Fiona, who is initially horrified by his appearance.
* Donkey discovers that Fiona has a secret: she turns into an ogress at night.
* Example:
* Fiona transforms into a fearsome ogre as the sun sets, shocking both Shrek and Donkey.

Chapter 6: The Return to Duloc

* Summary:
* Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey return to Duloc with Fiona disguised as a human.
* Farquaad prepares for their wedding, but Shrek interrupts and reveals Fiona's true nature.
* Example:
* Fiona confronts Farquaad, who is horrified by her appearance and rejects her.

Chapter 7: The Happy Ending

* Summary:
* Shrek realizes that he has fallen in love with Fiona, and they marry in a swamp ceremony.
* Donkey marries the dragon, and the fairy tale creatures return to their homes.
* Example:
* Shrek and Fiona live happily ever after in their secluded swamp, demonstrating that true beauty lies within.