In all the variations of the story [of the Handless Maiden]
the daughter does not object.
I want to talk to you about something grown-up, the Father says. Your sister hasn’t been feeling very happy, you know she doesn’t get the same kinds of grades as you, or have the same kinds of friends. You’re so special that sometimes she feels like she’s not. I want her to feel like we’re on her side so what we’re going to do is, we’re not going to brag on you so much and we’re going to talk her up a whole lot more. I know I can tell you this even though you’re only seven, so when it happens you’ll understand. We love you the same and we don’t want you to change, but we’re going to have to chop off your hands.