Gender is represented in the Toad King quest through the low angle shots as Ofelia travels through the inside of the small and claustrophobic tree, showing her character becoming bold and fearless, whereas diegetic wipes take the film back to Vidal and his men unsuccessfully searching the woods for the rebels. This challenges the patriarchal society presented to spectators throughout the events of the film. Costumes also provide gender representation as Ofelia gets muddy and dirty whereas Vidal remains tidy and avoids any ‘hard work’ while searching. Ofelia’s outfit could be an intertextual reference to Alice in Wonderland – also about a girl embarking on a quest in a fantastical reality.