Cinderella

Summary

«Cinderella» is a fairy tale about a kind and hardworking girl who lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters, who make her do all the household chores. One day, the king holds a ball to which all the girls in the kingdom are invited. The stepmother and sisters do not allow Cinderella to attend the ball, but with the help of her fairy godmother, who turns a pumpkin into a carriage and Cinderella's rags into a magnificent dress, she manages to go to the celebration. At the ball, Cinderella captivates the prince but must flee before midnight when the magic will vanish. In her haste, she loses a glass slipper. The prince, enamored with the mysterious stranger, declares he will marry the one who fits the slipper. After a long search, the slipper fits Cinderella, and she becomes the prince's wife, finding happiness and justice.

Main Ideas

• The power of kindness and humility: Despite hardships and unfair treatment, Cinderella maintains her kindness and humility, which ultimately brings her happiness.
• Belief in miracles: The story shows that even in the most hopeless situations, miracles can happen that change life for the better.
• Justice and reward: Cinderella receives her deserved reward for her virtues, while her wicked stepmother and stepsisters are left with nothing.
• Social classes and prejudices: The fairy tale touches on the theme of social classes and prejudices, showing that a person's true qualities are more important than their social status.
• Role of the fairy godmother: The fairy godmother symbolizes help and support that can come at the most needed moment if one believes in it.

Historical Context and Significance

«Cinderella» by Charles Perrault, first published in 1697, is one of the most famous and beloved fairy tales in world literature. This story of a poor girl who finds happiness through kindness and the help of a magical fairy godmother has become a symbol of hope and belief in miracles. Perrault's tale has had a tremendous impact on culture, serving as the basis for numerous adaptations in literature, theater, film, and animation. It inspired such renowned works as Sergei Prokofiev's ballet and Disney's animated film. «Cinderella» also played a crucial role in shaping the fairy tale genre, cementing motifs of magic, overcoming hardships, and the triumph of justice. Cinderella's story continues to be relevant in the modern world, symbolizing the possibility of changing one's destiny and achieving dreams.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Cinderella - the main character of the fairy tale, a kind and hardworking girl who lives with her stepmother and stepsisters who treat her poorly. Despite the difficulties, Cinderella maintains her kindness and faith in the better. With the help of the fairy godmother, she attends the royal ball where she meets the prince. At the end of the tale, Cinderella marries the prince, symbolizing the triumph of kindness and justice.
• Stepmother - a wicked and selfish woman who mistreats Cinderella, forcing her to do all the housework. She favors her own daughters and does everything possible to prevent Cinderella from attending the ball.
• Stepsisters - the stepmother's daughters, who also treat Cinderella poorly. They are arrogant and envious, but ultimately their vanity and arrogance do not bring them happiness.
• Fairy Godmother - a magical being who helps Cinderella attend the ball using magic. She symbolizes the kindness and support that help Cinderella overcome difficulties.
• Prince - a young and kind man who falls in love with Cinderella at the ball. He searches for his beloved after she disappears and eventually finds her to marry her.

Style and Technique

Charles Perrault's style in the fairy tale «Cinderella» is characterized by simplicity and clarity, making it accessible to a wide audience, including children. The language of the work is light and expressive, with the use of archaisms typical of the time of writing. Perrault employs traditional fairy tale elements such as magic, transformations, and trials, which help emphasize moral lessons. Literary techniques include the contrast between kindness and malice, poverty and wealth, which enhances the drama of the plot. The story's structure is linear, with a clear beginning, development, and end, facilitating easy comprehension of the story. Dialogues play an important role, revealing characters' personalities and advancing the plot. Perrault also uses elements of humor and irony to soften dramatic moments and make the story more engaging.

Interesting Facts

• In the original version of the fairy tale written by Charles Perrault, Cinderella forgives her sisters and even helps them arrange their lives by marrying them off to noblemen.
• Charles Perrault's fairy tale became the basis for many adaptations, including the famous Disney animated film, which significantly altered and simplified the plot.
• In Perrault's version, Cinderella receives help from her fairy godmother, who uses magic to turn a pumpkin into a carriage and mice into horses.
• One of the most famous elements of the fairy tale is the glass slipper that Cinderella loses at the ball, and it is this slipper that helps the prince find her.
• Charles Perrault's fairy tale differs from later versions in that it lacks the gruesome elements, such as cutting off toes or heels, found in other interpretations, like the Brothers Grimm version.

Book Review

«Cinderella» by Charles Perrault is a classic fairy tale that continues to enchant readers with its simplicity and depth. Critics note that Perrault masterfully combines elements of magic and reality, creating a story that not only entertains but also teaches. The main theme of the fairy tale is the triumph of kindness and humility over cruelty and envy. Cinderella, despite all the hardships, maintains her kindness and faith in the better, which ultimately leads her to happiness. Critics also emphasize the importance of magical elements, such as the fairy godmother and the magical carriage, which symbolize hope and the possibility of change. Perrault's language is simple and elegant, making the fairy tale accessible to readers of all ages. At the same time, critics point out that «Cinderella» is not just a children's story but a work that touches on important social and moral issues, such as social inequality and the power of inner goodness. Overall, «Cinderella» remains one of the most beloved and frequently interpreted fairy tales, thanks to its universal message and charming narrative.