Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Cinderella and Donkeyskin
In reading both works I feel that the stories should be discussed together. They have the common theme of a maiden being or ending up impoverished, dressing up in a beautiful gown, losing something that is of value in which a prince uses to find her in order to make them their bride because she in turn is the love of his life. Even the "Little Glass Slipper" on the Ashliman website goes along with the same outline of these other stories. The lessons that these stories seem to portray are that of being a fair maiden who stays true and follows directions will in turn be rewarded ten-fold for her just ways. Although it would raise controversy for the Donkeyskin to be taught since the incestuous underlining of the father/king are present nonetheless it still gives light to the maiden gaining more than expected.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree that all the different versions of Cinderella have a common theme and lesson. I also read "Little Glass Slipper", Perrault's French version of Cinderella. While it had the same outline, I also thought it was interesting to note some of the subtle changes. For instance, in Perrault's story, Cinderella actually (sort of) gets along with the stepsisters. On the day of the ball, the sisters ask for her fashion advice, and Cinderella even offers to do their hair. Perrault leaves out the part where Cinderella has to sort the good lentils from the bad ones in order to go to the ball. Finally, once the sisters discover that Cinderella will marry the prince, they ask her to forgive them, which she readily does. Then, Cinderella even finds two lords for the sisters to marry, and everyone is happy in the end. I just thought the relationship between Cinderella and her stepsisters in this version was something to think about. I also like your idea that in end the maiden gains more than expected; I didn't really think of it that way originally.
ReplyDelete