Rags to Riches...A Reflection on "Cinderella" Stories

Everyone wants to believe they can do better, have better, or be better. Whether this inspires hope in us or creates an incurable sense of longing, rags to riches stories will always touch us in some way. The fairytale of Cinderella and all its worldly embodiments is one of the most famous rags to riches storylines.

In every version of Cinderella stories, the main character goes from an abused, poorly state to the status of princess by winning over the prince with beauty and good looks. In most of the stories, she is a kind woman, though not in all. Also, the difference between Western and Eastern culture is displayed in the Cinderella tales from the respective areas when there is more emphasis put on marriage for love or marriage for the sake of marriage. Yet in all, the rags to riches girl lives happily ever after.


I am actually pretty bothered by the Cinderella stories. While it may inspire hope in some, it seems that the heroine only gets the attention of the prince by being beautiful. In all of the stories, the heroine is a beyond gorgeous, tiny little girl, and it is often made quite clear that the marriage of a supposed peasant girl to the prince is only accepted because she's so beautiful. Furthermore, while she does take the time to dress up and of her own volition and bravery go to each festival/ball/ceremony held, in every story she is simply given what she wants (i.e. beautiful, expensive gowns made of the finest materials which attract everyone's attention,) without her actually working to get them in any way.  These stories seemingly do little to inspire one to make a path for their own or make the effort themselves to make their lives better. Nor do these stories help those who may already consider themselves homely, if at best.

Though, in all honesty, I am sure we all enjoy the Cinderella story in some way, it can give us a bit of hope, if only for a little while, or if only to day dream...





On a side note:
Personally, though, my favorite version of Cinderella has always been a movie adaptation where the girl is not only supposed to be homely (so she is not chosen on her looks alone) but also stands up for herself eventually and takes control of securing her own future. The movie is called Ever After.