The story of Cinderella is one of the fascinating tales of the western world. In both Charles Perrault and Brothers Grimm versions of Cinderella, the authors narrate an unfortunate circumstance where a character encounters several humiliations from her stepmother and stepsisters. Cinderella’s life reflects several realities and the challenges which people face in reality. The story illuminates various transformations that occur in the life of Cinderella, which can relate to the circumstances that many people encounter in reality. For Cinderella, talent and beauty are eventually recognized and valued, and haughtiness is punished in the long run. In Cinderella’s case, it is essential to understand that transformation is part of human life, and there is no permanent situation that does not have an ending.
In both Perrault and Grimm’s versions, Cinderella’s life transforms from enjoyable to terrible after her father marries another woman following her mother’s demise. Life presents myriad challenges that can be overcome if the victims maintain a strong character. Cinderella has a bad experience with her stepmother and sisters, but she remains strong and ambitious from within. Although she gets help from her fairy godmother, her determination to attend the royal ball shows how she had a strong spirit that eventually bore fruits. The world presents many obstacles and difficulties, which can be considered as bumps along the road of life. However, the courage and will to overcome these problems dictate how the future unfolds (Tiffany 480). The transformation that Cinderella experiences is unforeseen, however, she overcomes the huddles because of her determination. Individual strengths such as beauty and talent can always change an individual’s life if he or she maintains a positive vision. Women around the globe have experienced various forms of inequalities over the years, however, it is evident that they can overcome the challenges. Cinderella is a representation of women who are bound by several limitations in the real world. Some of the problems that females encounter seem impossible to overcome. The difficulties suppress women because they tend to corrode their beauty and, at times, talents. However, Cinderella reflects the possibilities and the limits that women can surpass (Miller 393). The story is an inspiration to women, encouraging them to navigate and prevail against improbable obstacles (Behrens and Rosen 505). In real life, inequality and gender imbalance have been witnessed from developed to developing countries. Some women have held some of the greatest positions of power and proved that transformation is a reality. When restrictions in life are overcome, it is possible to acknowledge the talents and beauty in women, which may not have been acknowledged during the tough times.
In both versions of Perrault and Grimm, the fundamental idea about the story of Cinderella is marked by her transformation from a pitiable girl to a stunning beauty with magnificent attire. Similar to Cinderella, many people are exposed to torturous circumstances in life, but they eventually triumph and enjoy the privileges that are out of their reach. In both Cinderella versions of Perrault and Grimm, her stepmother does not appreciate and consider her as part of her family and subjects her to a lot of humiliation. She is compelled to wear rags and does all the house chores while her stepsisters enjoy various privileges. Additionally, Cinderella is denied the chance to attend the royal ball while her sisters are allowed to go and have an opportunity to meet the Prince. After an unexpected turn of events, Cinderella meets Prince Charming, and her life transforms. Her beauty and talent, which were suppressed, are eventually seen and appreciated. For Cinderella, the changes in her life are epic and shocking because, at some point, she may have thought that she would never have a good life. Interestingly, other authors have also incorporated the idea of transformation in their literary works. McGillis highlights numerous characters in fictional tales, such as Sara, Hansel, the Goose Girl, and Gretel, who undergo a similar transformation. They experience unfortunate circumstances but are redeemed in the long run (McGillis 25). Therefore, even though people may be subjected to difficult challenges, no situation is permanent.
In Grimm’s Cinderella story, the happy ending of Cinderella illuminates the transformation of her stepmother and stepsisters as they no longer have power over Cinderella. While the suppression may arise, people’s oppressors are more likely to face the same wrath they bestow upon others. From the case of Cinderella, it is evident that those who wrong others are subject to punishment or defeat in the long run. The stepmother and her daughters fail to get the attention of the Charming Prince at the expense of Cinderella (Behrens and Rosen 487). In the real world, when transformations are witnessed, the wrongdoers have to be subjected to justice. This form of transformation is important because it ensures justice is served to the people. Even though in the case of Cinderella, there is no form of legal justice being practiced, the triumph of the main character is a representation of justice being delivered (Behrens and Rosen 505). In Grimm’s version, the transformation is apparent as haughtiness is punished when the two stepsisters are blinded, and they have to live the rest of their lives without their vision of sight (Behrens and Rosen 492). The case illuminates the possible punishment that people may be subjected to because of the wrongs that they do.
Transformation is a reality in life that results in different outcomes. For instance, the first transformation captured, which sees her life tumble when her father marries another woman, is important because it depicts the importance of persistence and determination in a person’s life despite the challenges faced. The transformation subjects Cinderella to cruelty, but she navigates through the tough times because of her strong character. The second transformation of Cinderella into an elegant young lady who gets the attention of the Prince is an essential step in alleviating an individual’s status. Lastly, the transformation that renders her jealous stepmother and stepsisters powerless in Grimm’s version is essential because it uncovers defeat for evil deeds. The stepmother wants the best for her daughters and the worst for Cinderella. However, fate unveils a different outcome since Cinderella gets what her heart desires and what her sisters wanted the most.
In conclusion, transformation is an important aspect that guides human life and changes promises and hopes into reality. Beauty and talent from within can be expressed if the individual in consideration has a positive internal spirit. Additionally, there are no permanent situations. Those who take advantage of their position and harm others are likely to be punished for their evil deeds. Justice is a necessary form of transformation, primarily when delivered to someone who has been oppressed for a long time. For instance, in the case of Cinderella, meeting Prince Charming at the royal ball is a form of justice to her because she has already experienced a lot of difficulties. In summary, transformation is a powerful experience in life that can alleviate the status of a person and bring comfort that could have otherwise not been enjoyed.
Works Cited
Behrens, Laurence, and Leonard J. Rosen. “Fairy Tales: A Closer Look at ‘Cinderella.’.” Laurence Behrens and Leonard J. Rosen. Writing and Reading across the Curriculum 4: 300-302.
McGillis, Roderick. A Little Princess: Gender and Empire. No. 159. Macmillan Reference USA, 1996.
Miller, Laura. “Japan’s Cinderella Motif: Beauty Industry and Mass Culture Interpretations of a Popular Icon”. Asian Studies Review, vol 32, no. 3, 2008, pp. 393-409. Informa UK Limited, Web.
Tiffany, Peden. “Athens Area graduates 203 students.” 2008.