Final Answer:
To prove she was a princess, Sophie needed to sleep on a stack of mattresses with a pea hidden beneath them, as only a true princess would feel the discomfort of the pea.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea," Sophie, in order to prove her royal lineage, must undergo a test that involves her sensitivity to a pea placed under a stack of mattresses. The notion is that a true princess would be so delicate and sensitive that even the presence of a small pea beneath multiple mattresses would disturb her sleep. This test of physical sensitivity serves as a whimsical and fantastical element in the story, highlighting the traditional criteria used in fairy tales to distinguish royalty.
The test with the pea is a symbolic and exaggerated demonstration of the qualities associated with princesses in fairy tales, emphasizing refinement, sensitivity, and an elevated status. The storyline often explores the contrast between outward appearances and inner qualities, with the true princess revealing herself through her reaction to the hidden discomfort.
This element of the narrative contributes to the charm and fantasy of traditional fairy tales, showcasing the magical and sometimes illogical elements that define the genre. It engages readers with a playful and imaginative depiction of royalty, where sensitivity to a tiny pea becomes the criterion for proving one's royal lineage.