Assumptions

Discuss how appearance and prejudice help and hinder Ani in her quest for justice and her title. For example, what does Gilsa know about Ani by her appearance alone? What does Geric assume? Do the assumptions based on appearances turn out to be correct or incorrect? Why do you think people make assumptions based on appearance alone?

Appearances can cause opinions whether correct or not. Gilsa believes that she is not from Bayern because of her soft hands, accent, and blond hair...that she is nobility. But here is Ani ragged and dirty. Geric assumes she is a goose girl because she hides her hair, changes her accent, and is working with geese and is very humble. Gilsa was correct and Geric was not. How a person's appearance is...dirty or clean, nice clothes or not, the way they speak, and how soft or rough they are make impressions on people.
-Bookworm

Also though, when Geric first saw her he mistook her for a lady. Meaning, back then, not necessarily someone of royalty I don't think , but not a goose girl or worker. I think he felt that because of the way she commanded him. He saw beyond her appearance for a moment.
Also, she did not know he was the prince because he wasn't dressed as one when they met.
I think that is hard not to make assumptions based on appearance. When you first see someone you don't know them yet so that is all you have to go on. The important thing, I think is to be open to changing your assumption as you get to know someone and to not let it hinder trying to get to know them if you assume bad things.
-Annegirl

This reminds me of a story about my grandpa, who was a patriarch. Once a guy came to get his house to receive his patriarchal blessing, and he showed up with long hair and a full beard. Not really the clean cut appearance we come to expect. Anyway, in talking to him before giving him his blessing, he found out that the guy getting the blessing was going to play the part of Christ in the upcoming Easter pageant. Makes you think twice before judging by appearance! (Even though we all do it.)
-Sanya the Duck