Good morning/afternoon, my name is Mel Howard. I specialize in literature, specifically the evolution of fairytales. Cinderella is a widely known fairytale with approximately 500 to 1500 variations globally. Each version represents a different culture and embodies their distinct values and beliefs. The central storyline of Cinderella centers around a young woman, commonly referred to as the heroine, who experiences mistreatment from her step-family after her mother’s passing. It should be noted that the name assigned to the heroine may vary in different adaptations to match the specific culture.
In certain stories, the heroine’s father is either missing or neglectful towards her, while she is aided by a magical guardian in overcoming her unpleasant family. This guardian, commonly known as the Fairy Godmother, often plays a crucial role in granting the heroine’s deepest desire. In some adaptations, the guardian represents the heroine’s deceased mother, sometimes taking the form of an animal or, as depicted in Grimm’s version, a tree grown from her mother’s burial site, thus supplying the materials for the enchanted happening.
In most tales, there is a magical event triggered by a piece of clothing that leads to the recognition of the true worth of the heroine. This piece of clothing is typically a glass slipper or some sort of shoe. Nearly all versions of the story feature the same characters: the heroine’s mother, who may be mentioned briefly in some stories but may also provide assistance to the heroine in animal form or with magical objects; and the ‘evil’ Stepmother, who has always been a villain in all known versions of Cinderella. The Stepmother is extremely cruel and forces the heroine to perform chores and other harsh tasks.
In most versions of the story, the heroine’s father is not present but alive. He typically does not intervene in the conflict between the step-family and the heroine. The man whom the heroine falls in love with is usually a Prince who is coerced by his father to marry a woman. While the Prince is not commonly referred to as Prince Charming, this name became widely known thanks to the Walt Disney film, Cinderella. Lastly, there is the Fairy Godmother, a character integral to the fairytale genre as she brings magic into the story.
Various adaptations of Cinderella exist, but certain versions are noteworthy for being the most accurate depictions of the traditional storyline. These versions also serve as reflections of the values and attitudes prevalent during the specific historical periods in which they were written. Examples include an Ancient Chinese version, a contemporary Western version, and the films ‘A Cinderella Story’ and ‘Ella Enchanted.’ Each adaptation corresponds to a different point in history and offers valuable insights into that particular era. By carefully analyzing and comparing these stories, readers can develop a deeper comprehension of the dynamic changes that unfolded throughout history, as well as the cultural attitudes and values predominant during those times.
The Ancient Chinese tale from the 9th Century is the earliest known version of Cinderella. Yeh Hsien, the heroine, showcases wisdom, generosity, intelligence, and pottery skills. When her step-mother kills her fish, she expresses her grief by howling in the open countryside. Following the fish’s demise, Yeh Hsien buries its bones and is granted a wish of her choosing. This story provides insights into Chinese culture, illustrating their appreciation for others’ personalities and traits while also revealing their lack of forgiveness.
In the tale, the evil characters meet a grisly fate when they are pelted with flying stones, resulting in their demise. This reflects a culture that is unrelenting. The fairytale imparts the lesson that readers must be virtuous, or else they will face dire consequences. Additionally, it emphasizes that inner beauty is important. The Western version of the story is more contemporary compared to its Chinese counterpart. The protagonist, Cinderella, is depicted as kind, hardworking, and obedient. She is repeatedly described as beautiful, setting her apart as the virtuous character while her step-family is portrayed as wicked. Once upon a time, a lovely girl named Cinderella had two unattractive stepsisters.” This theme continues throughout the narrative. The story features a Fairy Godmother who aids Cinderella in achieving her dreams and desires. In this version, the audience learns that the society depicted values physical beauty and appearances. This indicates a society that is highly materialistic. At the end of the tale, the evil characters in this rendition are pardoned and are able to attend the wedding of Cinderella and the Prince.
This text illustrates an inclusive and forgiving society. The central theme of this adaptation is that patience leads to positive outcomes and having faith can make dreams come true. Another rendition of Cinderella is the movie ‘A Cinderella Story’, where the main character, Sam, communicates with a male classmate named Austin via text messages without knowing each other’s true identities. Eventually, they uncover each other’s real selves towards the end. Throughout most of the film, Sam is strongly influenced by her absent father. Before his departure, he imparts the quote “Don’t be afraid to take risks in life,” which carries significant meaning throughout the story and represents cultural values at that time period. This modern adaptation of Cinderella shares similarities with contemporary society as it is one of the most recent versions available. Similarly following the classic tale, another film called ‘Ella Enchanted’ features Ella as its protagonist who was cursed as a baby and must comply with others’ commands.
Ella is being pursued by the police when she suddenly hears a command to “freeze” while in mid-air. Astonishingly, she finds herself physically suspended without any support. Ella is under a curse that can only be lifted if the King orders her to assassinate the Prince. However, her deep love for him prevails, and she decides to break the curse instead. Eventually, they marry and enjoy a blissful life together. These narratives offer significant understanding into the development of Cinderella tales and their reflection of shifting values and perspectives on people and the world across diverse cultures.
