Alyssa Mills

Dr. Burke
Childrens Literature
March 16, 2016
Fairytale Exploration: Cinderella
1. Six Questions
a. Why does Cinderella, always put up with the hard work and
labor and never give up or fight back?
b. What is the significance of the father figure, or lack there
of?
c. The essence of magic, or a fairy god-mother, is usually
correlated with this story, why do you think Joseph Jacobs
chose not to use the essence of magic in his version?
d. Most stories have a positive correlation with family,
however in Cinderella tales, it appears to be the opposite,
is this tasteful to the reader?
e. At the end of each tale, Cinderella forgives those who have
done her wrong, or were mean to her, why is this, and what
does it say about Cinderellas character?
f. What does Vasilisas relationship with her doll tell us about
herself? (patience, trustworthiness)
2. Two Patterns
a. The first notable pattern, is hardships Cinderella faces.
Things such as hard labor, chores, name calling, and
neglect, are all thrown in the characters way in all versions.
However, it is through these hardships that Cinderella is
able to be with her prince.
b. The character of Cinderella is described as naturally
beautiful. Even though the life she lives may not always be
glamorous, she is noted in all tales for her natural beauty.
3. Connections
a. The ones who have it all and dont work vs those who
work hard and dont have as nice of a life. For example,
the step sister and step mother who are mean but have the
best dresses and the top of the line makeup and hair. In
contrast we see Cinderella coming from rags and always
working or cleaning, yet she is the one happy and kind.
Then there are the ones who are miserable and mean, and
always having other people do their dirty work. Therefore,
having everything and being mean to others does not
make you happier or any better.