Well, well, well, if it isn’t Cinderella – the timeless folk tale that has been handed down through the ages, surviving cultural shifts and geographical boundaries, and yet never losing an ounce of its magical charm. No matter where we come from, we all know this tale as surely as we know our own reflections. It has seduced us all, daring us to dream bigger and believe in happy endings. Yet, before you settle back, expecting a ride through childhood memories, let’s get one thing straight – Cinderella has more layers than an onion, and some of them might make you cry.

Story Summary

Depending on the version you read, Cinderella may start with a dying mother, an evil stepmother, or a simply unfortunate girl – but the gist remains the same. Poor Cinderella, a beacon of kindness and hope, is maltreated by her heartless stepmother and snobby stepsisters who are as ugly in spirit as they are in appearance. Her daily life is a litany of chores, abuse, and heartache. Yet, she endures, shining through the muck and misery.

Enter the Fairy Godmother. With a swift “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”, our weary heroine is transformed, ready to attend the Prince’s ball. Lost glass slipper, midnight curfew, the frantic search for the foot to fit the shoe – you know the drill. In the end, love conquers all, and our lovely Cinderella goes from cinder girl to the Prince’s bride, proving that kindness, courage, and a well-fitting pair of shoes can change your life.

My Review

This is the quintessential rags-to-riches tale, a fairy tale that reiterates the inherent triumph of the good-hearted and the fall of the wicked. It’s age-old, it’s tropey, and yet, it’s utterly magical. No matter how many times I read it, Cinderella still evokes a sense of hope, a belief in the power of kindness, and the occasional wish for a Fairy Godmother.

There is a certain comfort in knowing that everything will turn out alright for Cinderella, a satisfaction in the poetic justice meted out to the antagonists. There is also an innocence to the tale, a simplicity that appeals to the idealist in us all. However, let’s not forget that Cinderella is also a tale of resilience and strength, a narrative where the protagonist is her own hero, even without the Prince.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4/5)

Author Bio

Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper, is attributed to Charles Perrault, who published the tale in 1697. However, it was also included in the collection of Brothers Grimm. The tale itself predates both of them, having various cultural versions from ancient Greece to China, each adding their unique flavor to the narrative. The fact that this story has persisted through centuries is a testament to its enduring allure and universal themes.

Adaptations and Inspired Works

Cinderella has undergone countless adaptations – from Rossini’s opera “La Cenerentola” to Disney’s animated classic in 1950 and its subsequent live-action movies. It has been adapted into ballets, Broadway musicals, and countless television shows. Modern takes on the tale, like the movie ‘Ever After’ and the book ‘Cinder’ by Marissa Meyer, offer fresh spins on the well-known narrative.

The Seven Dwarves Misconception (and Names)

Here’s a fun fact that often trips people up: Cinderella did not have any dwarfs. The seven dwarfs are a staple of a different fairy tale – Snow White. However, they are so etched into popular fairy tale lore that they get mixed up in other tales. Here they are, for posterity:

1. Doc – The unofficial leader of the group, Doc often mixes up his words and sentences.
2. Grumpy – As his name suggests, Grumpy is always grouchy and pessimistic but has a soft spot for Snow White.
3. Happy – Always jovial and positive, Happy is the cheerleader of the group.
4. Sleepy – Sleepy is always tired and ready for a nap.
5. Bashful – He is shy and often blushes when Snow White talks to him.
6. Sneezy – His powerful sneezes can cause chaos, but he can’t help it – it’s allergies!
7. Dopey – The only one who doesn’t talk, Dopey is endearingly clumsy.

Just remember, if you’re ever recounting Cinderella and find yourself mentioning a dwarf, it might be time to revisit these beloved tales!

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Study or Book Club Questions

1. How does Cinderella’s character portray resilience and kindness?
2. The glass slipper is a significant symbol in the story. What could it symbolize?
3. How does the Cinderella story reflect the societal values of the time when it was written?
4. Discuss the character of the Fairy Godmother and her role in the story.
5. How does the transformation of Cinderella resonate with the theme of the story?
6. How do different cultural versions of Cinderella reflect their respective societies?
7. How has the character of Cinderella evolved in modern adaptations of the tale?
8. Discuss the different adaptations of Cinderella. Which one do you prefer and why?
9. How does the mix-up between Snow White’s dwarfs and Cinderella highlight the pervasive nature of fairy tales in our culture?
10. Do you think the story of Cinderella still holds relevance in the modern world? Why or why not?

Where to Buy: Amazon