The Theme of Humility in Charles Perraults Cinderella - Essay Example

The theme of Humility in Charles Perrault’s ‘Cinderella’ ‘Cinderella’ is among the most famous fairy tales in children’s literature around the world. There are so many versions of the ‘Cinderella’ tale. Perrault makes the story anew and comes up with a unique version which diverts from the original Egyptian tale. Instead of the gods rewarding Cinderella for her humility and kindness, Perrault uses a magical godmother. ‘Cinderella’ is a story of a young girl under the care of her evil sisters and step mother. She is ill-treated because she is well mannered and beautiful unlike the step sisters who are nothing compared to her (Zipes 57). On the other hand, Cinderella does not cease doing good and being compassionate towards those who mistreat her. Finally, although she did not have fine linen like her sisters to attend the kings ball, her godmother comes to her aid and makes it happen. Later, she ends up being the beautiful princess that the king marries. Her good nature overrides the evil against her, and she ends up the most successful of all. Perraults ‘Cinderella’ is modest, depicting that humility uplifts the less fortunate and warning us through its moral that pride comes before a fall. In his story, Perrault exclusively illustrates humility and its consequences and what can consequently happen to the proud. Humility, compassion and kindness have been depicted throughout the story. Cinderella’s mother dies leaving her under the care of her evil step mother who continuously mistreats her. Her step sisters are no good either. Despite her circumstances, she at no time stops doing good. ‘The poor girl suffered silently, and never said a word to her father.’ She did all the house chores as her sisters adorned themselves; slept in the worst place while the rest enjoyed the luxury of well furnished rooms. None of these made her complain; instead, she kept all the pain to herself and not a single time did she stop carrying out her chores. Cinderella is not invited to the ball and has no quality linen to dress for the occasion; however, this does not stop her from helping her sisters choose the best dress for the occasion. She even goes ahead to make their hair in the best way possible. Perrault asserts, "She had exemplary ideas and marvelous advices on how they could fix their hair and dress appropriately" (Perrault). When the king throws a ball, her step sisters spend their entire time chatting about it and preparing themselves. They even make fun of her that she would be the laughing-stock if she appeared at the ball. Although they despise her, they still need her advice and help. Cinderella does not act the usual jealous teenage girl, she is quite extraordinary. Anybody else would have spoilt their looks out of mere jealousy, but Cinderella acted differently. The theme is further illustrated when her godmother appears and offers to help her attend the ball. She has no idea how it would work, but obeys all her instructions without hesitating. Cinderella immediately went out to look for the best pumpkin as requested by the godmother. She did not know how the pumpkin was related to her attendance at the ball, but she obediently followed instructions as asked (Zipes 42). When all is done, the godmother gives her another instruction; she should be home by midnight or else her new status would be turned into her old ragged self, and the animals and pumpkin used in creating her princess image would be turned back. She promises to do so and sure enough, she does not stay past the allocated time. "As she was busy entertaining her two sisters, the clock struck a quarter-to-midnight; she excused herself and hurriedly left" (Perrault). Despite all the attention and admiration Cinderella received at the ball, she does not break her promise. She had to leave the king and the sweet compliments, the gazes of the admiring women and the excitement drawn by her graceful presence just to go to her godmother as promised. Very few girls in her shoes, including her arrogant sisters would even remember such a thing in such an exciting time. This shows her obedience and humility. She also does not forget to thank the god mother. Perrault asserts, “on her arrival home, she ran to her godmother, and thanked her…” (Perrault). If she had failed to listen to her godmother, then sure enough, she would have lost everything. Moreover, when the sisters come home from the ball and excitedly tell her about the most beautiful princess at the ball, she does not just jump up and admit to being the princess. In fact, she pretends to have no idea at all and let them explain. She swallows her pride and keeps it to herself. "Cinderella seemed extremely indifferent on the issue. She even inquired about the princesss name" (Perrault). At the ball in the company of her cruel sisters who had left her behind and jeered her, she does not despise them or mistreat them. Anybody could have used this opportunity to get back, but Cinderella did not. Surprisingly, she shows them civility and even shares the fruits she had been given by the king. Finally, Perrault finishes his tale in the most humble way. When the king gives orders to find the woman the shoe could perfectly fit, Cinderella does not grab the opportunity to present herself. Even when her sisters mock her for wanting to try the shoe, she keeps the little secret to herself. The shoe fits her and days later the king marries her. Her sisters lose the battle and the chance to marry the king (Zipes 45). They fall at her feet and apologize for all the times they ill-treated and ignored her. She does the least expected; embraces them and takes them with her to the palace and gives them the finest rooms. In her glorious moments, Cinderella does not avenge her sisters; instead, she gives them the most unexpected treatment; the best. Indeed, success favors the humble. In conclusion, a fairy tale is meant for children, not only for the entertainment aspects, but also to give them a valid moral lesson, something they can value doing and view themselves as heroes in the fairy tales. Perrault uses a modern example of what happens in our day to day lives, something that helps the children visualize the story in reality. It is often important to capture the attention of the readers, especially children, by giving much emphasis on the major theme or rather the moral you expect them to pick from the story. This is often done by repetition. Perrault constantly depicts aspects of humility in almost every paragraph of his story. Works Cited Perrault, Charles. “Cinderella; or, The Little Glass Slipper.” 2003. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. Zipes, Jack. Fairy Tales and the Art of Subversion. New York: Routledge, 2006. Print. Read More