This document provides an overview of different versions of the Cinderella story from around the world. It discusses the earliest versions from China and Germany, including similarities like the absence of Cinderella's father and presence of a magical guardian. It also summarizes Disney's 1950 animated adaptation, focusing on themes like sibling rivalry between Cinderella and her stepsisters, the conflict between good and evil being resolved, and the role of the prince in providing a chivalrous rescue.
2. History of Cinderella There have been numerous versions Cinderella: Between 340 and 1,500 versions. Tale always focuses on a heroine persecuted by step-family after mother passes away. Most versions have an absent father. The heroine has a magical guardian. The ending is a happy one in more modern versions.
3. Yen-Shen: Cinderella from China 1 Earliest recorded version is from China. Cinderella is known in Chinese as Yen Shen. Written by Ch’eng-shih in the middle of ninth century in the common Era 850-60 A.D. It is suggested that listeners & readers already knew the story before it was written. This version does not have a fairy godmother.
5. German Cinderella This version was written by Charles Ferrault in 1697. It included the pumpkin carriage and fairy godmother. This version has a happy ending. Previous unhappy endings included Cinderella finding husbands for step sisters. In some older versions the sisters were left dead, blind or poor.
6. Grimm brothers Cinderella 1 This version was also from Germany, written in the early 1800s. This version does not have a fairy godmother. The magic in this version comes from a tree. Cinderella planted the tree on the grave of her mother.
7. Grimm Brothers Cinderella 2 This version is seen as an allegory. The mother represents the past and traditions. The stepmother and sisters represent the new. The father is a willing convert to Christianity. Cinderella is seen as a less willing convert. The prince is viewed as the religious establishment.
8. Cinderella Today Modern versions have come in several forms. Versions from around the world include Egypt, Italy, Vietnam, etc. One of the better known versions is Disney’s Cinderella. Walt Disney produced this film in 1950.
9. References “History of Cinderella.” SurLaLune. 23 June 2007. 25 July 2011. <http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/cinderella/hist ory.html>. “Under the Bridge.” Under The Bridge. N.d. 25 July 2011. <http://underthebridge.blogdrive.com/archive/295. html>. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/grimm/index2.html
10. themes Based on our own cultural knowledge of Cinderella, we decided to use Walt Disney’s version in order to most accurately assess the most prevalent themes. Classic elements of the Cinderella tale include sibling rivalry, as well as the conflict between females in general, good triumphing evil, and the classic role of the chivalrous male figure.
11. Sibling/ Female rivalry 1 Stepmother and stepsisters are seen as ugly/bitter. They are jealous of Cinderella and her natural beauty. Makes Cinderella do the "dirty" house work while they get to stay clean and "beautiful.”
12. Sibling/ Female rivalry 2 The stepmother forbids Cinderella from going to the ball and letting anyone see her (especially Prince Charming). Ruins her pretty dress. Locks her up so she cannot try on the glass slipper. Stepsisters also have some feud with each other. In the end Cinderella, who does not possess the jealous/bitter qualities like her family, gets the happy ending.
13. Good over evil 1 Cinderella is hard working, kind and good hearted. The stepmother, along with her daughters, are "evil" and wish to defile Cinderella. Despite their attitude towards her, Cinderella continues to remain a sweet girl throughout the story.
14. Good over evil 2 Fairy Godmother helps her out with magic. Cinderella meets Prince Charming and he falls in love with her. She fits in the (other) glass slipper and marries him. Stepmother and stepsisters left with nothing.
15. Male chivalry 1 Cinderella's father re-marries, but later passes away. Cinderella is stuck with her stepmother and stepsisters who treat her cruelly. Family hears of Prince Charming looking for a bride. The stepmother wants one of her daughters to marry the prince so they can live in a castle and become rich.
16. Male chivalry 2 Prince Charming falls in love with Cinderella at the ball. Finds her through the glass slipper. They marry, and Cinderella is free from her stepmother/sisters, living happily ever after.
