"There was Once" by Margaret Atwood - Language

1. What does the conversation tell us about the opening phrase, "There was once a poor girl, as beautiful as she was good, who lived with her wicked stepmother in a house in the forest"?
The descriptions of the girl are stereotypical and exaggerated. It's very fairy tale like with a clear protagonist that's "poor" and an antagonistic "wicked" stepmother.
2. What sort of things does the second speaker object to?
Sterotypes, biases, descriptions - anything subjective
3. What is the principle behind the objections?
To write an objective piece, with no descriptions that discriminate, or no descriptions in general.
4. Is the principle reasonable?
No, because most things are subjective, and without detail there is no story.
5. What would happen if the second speaker applied her own principle to her own speech?
She would have writer's block if she were writing, and would not say much if she were speaking since she finds fault with everything that the first speaker says.
6. What can we learn about language from this dialogue?
Language is subjective. The piece also highlights the importance of diction, or word use and the importance of being politically correct. It also tells us a lot about positive and negative connotations to words chosen.