cinderella short story essay

A Summary and Analysis of the Cinderella Fairy Tale

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Cinderella’ is, of course, a classic fairy story, a ‘rags to riches’ tale about a kind-hearted girl who suffers various hardships only to marry the prince of the kingdom. Why is Cinderella called Cinderella? Since she is shunned by the rest of her family (especially the stepsisters), the poor girl sits among the ashes in the chimney corner – hence her cindery name.

The ‘rags to riches’ transformation comes about when Cinders, who wishes to attend the royal ball, has her wish granted and subsequently meets the prince. Although she has to flee the ball and return home – losing one of her slippers in the process – the prince searches for and finds her, thanks to what is perhaps the most romantic shoe-fitting in all of literature. So far, so familiar.

The earliest appearance of the Cinderella story in print was in 1634 in the  Pentamerone , a collection of oral folk tales compiled by Giambattista Basile, a Neapolitan soldier, poet, and courtier. Here Cinderella is called Cenerentola.

In 1697, French writer Charles Perrault published the story of Cendrillon, a variation on the story. Perrault added several details now intrinsically associated with the story – notably the pumpkin, the fairy godmother, and the glass slipper – to Basile’s version, which already featured the wicked stepmother and the evil stepsisters, as well as the prince figure (though in Basile’s he is a king rather than a prince) who hunts for the owner of a slipper (though it isn’t glass in Basile’s version). Perrault’s version would form the basis of the hit 1950 Disney film  Cinderella , which in turn inspired Kenneth Branagh’s 2015 live-action remake.

But in fact the story is even older than these seventeenth-century versions: ‘Ye Xian’ or ‘Yeh-Shen’ is a Chinese variant of the Cinderella story that dates from the ninth century. A detailed plot summary can be found here .

But even this isn’t the oldest version of the story: a tale dating back to the 1st century BC, more than a thousand years before even the Chinese ‘Ye Xian’, is perhaps the earliest of all Cinderella narratives. The story is about a Thracian courtesan, Rhodopis, who ends up marrying the King of Egypt . It even features a royal figure searching for the owner of a shoe, suggesting that it is the progenitor of all later Cinderella stories.

In the nineteenth century, the Brothers Grimm offered a slightly different version of the tale in Aschenputtel . The Grimms’ retelling of the fairy tale is somewhat … well, grimmer than the Basile or Perrault versions.

At the end of the Grimms’ version of the story, the stepsisters’ eyes are pecked out by birds to punish the sisters for their cruelty towards their sibling – a violent conclusion you won’t find in Disney. In order to try to dupe the prince into thinking they are the wearers of the missing slipper, each of the stepsisters cuts off part of her own foot to make it fit, but the blood that fills the slipper gives the game away. Indeed, the Chinese ‘Ye Xian’ telling of the Cinderella story ends with the stepmother and ugly sisters being crushed to death in their caves by stones. In the Disney film they get off lightly, to say the least.

What’s more, in the Brothers Grimm version of the Cinderella story, the slipper is not glass, but gold. There is disagreement among scholars and commentators as to whether the glass slippers that first appear in Perrault’s version (and, subsequently, in many famous retellings and adaptations of the tale) were the result of Perrault’s mishearing  vair  (French for ‘squirrel’s fur’) for  verre (French for ‘glass’).

The majority of experts reject such a theory. The website Snopes.com states that Perrault intended the slippers to be made of glass all along, and wasn’t acting on an error, while another site suggests that the glass slipper was perhaps ‘an ironic device since it is a fragile thing’, so might be seen as a form of artistic licence.

Interestingly, the ‘error’ theory – that Perrault was not inventing an iconic literary trope but simply mishearing one word for another – appears to have been put about by the French novelist Honoré de Balzac. So, although Perrault added the glass slippers, it was most likely not down to a mishearing (especially since the word  vair was not in common use when Perrault was writing) but to creative licence.

Roald Dahl updated the fairy tale of Cinderella in 1982 in his R evolting Rhymes. The most significant Dahlian detail in his verse retelling of the tale comes near the end, when one of the stepsisters replaces the glass slipper with her own shoe. But even though the shoe subsequently fits the sister’s foot perfectly (as you’d expect), the prince declines to marry her and instead – cuts her head off.

The tyrannical prince does the same to the other stepsister, and Cinderella’s head would have been done for too, had her fairy godmother not intervened and saved her – granting Cinderella’s wish to be married to an ordinary husband rather than a prince who would, let’s face it, make Prince Joffrey look like Oliver Twist.

So that’s a happy ending, just not the one you find in traditional fairy tales.

Before the Disney film of 1950, and long before the 2015 Kenneth Branagh remake, there were many film adaptations, the first of which (from 1899) can be seen here .

If you enjoyed this post, you might find something of literary interest in our summary of the curious history of ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ ,  25 great facts about children’s books and our surprising facts about Aladdin and the Arabian Nights .

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20 thoughts on “A Summary and Analysis of the Cinderella Fairy Tale”

Reblogged this on Língua Inglesa .

I always enjoy your posts. Just the sort of facts I find fascinating. Thank you. Kris http://www.awritersden.wordpress.com

We just covered the Brothers Grimm and their grusome tales in the Romantic Period of our senior English lit section. Students are mesmerized by the cruelty and violence of the original fairy tales. One of my favorite versions is Ever After with Drew Barrymore. In the beginning of the film the glass slipper is shown and it is golden glass–which solves both theories of the famous shoe.

I love the Ever After version of this tale as well. The Brothers Grimm tend to be too grim for me. :)

Nice post! I love researching this sort of thing. One of my favorite Cinderella adaptions (shadow puppets) is from 1922 by Lotte Reiniger. You can find it on YouTube.

Interesting to see how far back the story goes. But I thought there was a version (though I can’t remember where) where the stepsisters are forced to dance on hot coals until they died?

This ending seems familiar – though I can’t remember which version it was exactly. Maybe I should reread my old fairytale books. By the way, why are so many suprised about the cruelty in the original fairytales? I’ ve grown up with them and especially the Disney version appeared always too nice in my opinion.

You might be thinking of a version of Snow White where the stepmother is forced to dance in red hot iron shoes until she died.

Reblogged this on Getting Lit Fit .

Huh. Interesting as always.

Reblogged this on your worst nightmare and commented: So gosh-darn cool.

Reblogged this on justthetraveller and commented: Well, that’s New to me.

Reblogged this on Wyldwood Books and commented: Yet another interesting and informative post from interestingliterature.com

I knew of Pentamerone from my time at university along with the Grimm version (which I thoroughly enjoyed), but knew little of the earlier versions. Great reading.

Reblogged this on Beyond The Beyond.. .

Such an intersting post. Loved it.

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Cinderella – Shorter Version

Small stories.

Cinderella Story Structure

Write a story with a Cinderella story structure: try, fail, try, fail, try, fail, life-changing moment.

We’re starting our week of Story Elements prompts with a deep dive into story structure.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Write A Story With a “Cinderella Story Structure

The Life-Changing Moment

I come to believe that short stories revolve around one life changing moment.

It doesn’t have to be literally life-changing, but it has to change something for the characters (temporarily or permanently).

If you’re writing quiet internal literary fiction, the moment is going to be something small, like realizing you can’t go on in this relationship, or this job.

If the story is a big action thriller then the life-changing moment could be anything from the moment you decide you need to take action, to the moment when you win or lose.

A Cinderella Story Structure

In the story of Cinderella our heroine wants to find happiness. She tries and fails and tries and fails. A lot.

• She tries to find it by being nice to her sisters and stepmother, but they just treat her terribly.
• She tries to find it by going to the ball, but she’s not allowed to go.
• She tries to find it from her fairy godmother. This one almost works, but there are time limits and she fails. When the love-struck prince can’t find her, all is lost.

Eventually, the life-changing moment comes at the end of the story when the prince finds her and Cinderella gets to choose her happy ending.

(In most versions she says yes and marries the prince; in every version, this choice is the first time Cinders has had any power. This is when her life changes.

So, this is where the story ends because the character’s story arc is over: She has her chance to reach her goal, at long last.

How To Write A Cinderella Story

• Let you character want something. In Cinderella’s case she wants happiness. Your character might want anything from fulfillment to a piece of chocolate cake!
• Start the story with the character in a place where they don’t have the thing they want.
• Let us see the character trying to achieve their goal once, twice, three times.
• The first failure can be pretty small. (She drops a perfect piece of chocolate cake on the floor.) The second failure should be a little more discouraging. (She goes to the shop and discovers they’re out of cake.) The third failure should seem insurmountable.(The government bans chocolate cake!)
• These failures have taught the character how much they want their goal and that the only way to achieve it is through using their unique talents. Now the climax is on. (In my story, for example, my witty and feisty heroine decides to run a political campaign and get elected to office in order to strike down this terrible anti-chocolate cake legislation. Your story could be more serious.)
• The story ends when the character realizes what needs to be done and makes the decision to pursue it or to walk away. In a short story you don’t have to show was the rest of the events. The arc, the journey, for the character is over at the moment when they see the path to pursuing their goal.
• Of course this is not the case in every story structure but in this story structure, the Cinderella story structure, the character’s journey — and the story — ends here.

22 thoughts on “Cinderella Story Structure”

Oh well. Clearly the month’s theme is on gloominess, even when bringing in Tigger. http://tidbitsbyshannon.blogspot.com/2016/09/just-one-more-bounce-please.html

Just couldn’t resist trying to turn the structure a bit on its ear as a Western. First draft but… Is the adopted Cheyenne girl Abequa or Abigail? Cheyenne Cinderella http://wp.me/p1AR9N-2QQ

Another poignant and captivating story. Thanks for sharing, Joe.

My day 8 story: https://fallonbrownwrites.wordpress.com/story-a-day-september-2016/story-a-day-september-day-8-make-peace/

This one turned out longer than expected. And is probably the end(or close to) of the novella I’m working on. So, if you don’t want to know how that ends(haha. I write Romance. That’s pretty much a given), be warned.

Well done, Fallon. Poignant and it begs the question “Why does family always hurt so much?”

Love these prompts! Had such a fun time writing this. Many thanks! 😀

https://atomicindigo.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/the-favorite-dessert/

My contribution for Day 8 – https://annieswritingchallenge.wordpress.com/may-2016-story-a-day-challenge/day-8-story-a-day-in-may-challenge-my-aunt-joe/

In a writing slump, but I will finish the month on time!

OK. I’ve been playing catch-up, and now I want to share my Cinderella story. This isn’t suitable for work, and it’s more the slicing up their feet version of the story. It’s dark. Very dark. With a light at the end of the tunnel…

https://shanjeniah.com/2016/05/18/choices-stad-kifo-project-for-may-8/

Hope you enjoy this one! https://storiesin5minutes.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/another-cinderella-story-storyaday-post/

Well, I did it. A Cinderella style story. https://theencouragingscribe.wordpress.com/2016/05/11/story-a-day-day-8/

Life sometimes has a way of slapping you in the face and that’s exactly what has happened to me this week…it slapped me good and hard. First we lost our fourteen-year-old Oriental cat, Napoleon, from diabetes and then, three days later, our precious Cavoodle, Cally, lost her sight. I shall most probably be late all this week, but I shall still try to post.

https://vickgoodwin.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/story-a-day-day-8-our-journey/

With Mother’s Day and Graduation day for UK all taking place on the same day, I was late writing my Cinderella Style Story. Following the up and down sequence was harder than the others up until now. We are only on day 8, this is going to be a great exercise in writing.

This is a tough one, especially when you’re banging out a draft in a day, but worthwhile, I think!

Hi All. Followed the Cinderella prompt for today. Created a basic draft of a story that I took from an event I had noticed going on in the neighborhood . It was a quiet mini drama happening under the radar and went on for several weeks. The story will be needing more development later, and the ending needs to be figured out, because the real ending is unknown. it’s now 9pm, so finished up on time. For me, this This was definitely a harder prompt than week one. Just what Doctor Julie ordered. 🙂

Hey, I reckon if you’re still here, you can take it! 😉

I liked this prompt and I liked my story (except for the ending, but I want to work on it): https://notwhereilive.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/story-a-day-may-day-eight/

Ugghhhsss.. this one gave me more troubles than I thought possible. I couldn’t figure out how to work so many failures into a short story without turning it into a novella. So I settled for this: https://promptlywritten.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/the-dilemma-flash-fiction/

True, I may have specified too many try/fails. Or maybe the first one needs to have happened before the story starts…

Story #8 of my Story-A-Day quest. Today’s prompt was for a Cinderella story structure. I tried, failed, tried, failed, tried, failed. I tried, I really did. But this is what eventually came out. Knew it would happen eventually. What was it old Lodge Skins says at the end of Little Big Man? “I was afraid of that. Well, sometimes the magic works. Sometimes, it doesn’t.” Today, a different magic happened. Travelogue http://wp.me/p1AR9N-2JJ

This one started out based on the prompt but then it took a turn far, far away: https://only100words.xyz/2016/05/08/what-they-didnt-tell-you-when-they-made-you-janitor-of-the-tallest-building-in-town/

This story ended up not being about what I thought it was about when I started. Love when that happens. http://susan-reads.blogspot.com/2016/05/coffee.html

This one could almost be a true story! I am sure that every writer will be able to relate this one. https://angietrafford.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/story-a-day-day-eight/

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The history and influence of cinderella fairy tale analysis.

“Cinderella” is a classic rags-to-riches tale and can be found, written straight or subverted , throughout the history of literature. It’s worth pointing out that Cinderella wasn’t truly from ‘rags’. She was related to middle class people, so was at least middle class herself. No one wants to hear about actual starvation, rickets and whatnot at bedtime. This is a middle-class-to-rags-to-aristocrat tale.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CINDERELLA

Cinderella is from china.

The Chinese title is Ye Xian (English speakers can approximate the sound by saying ‘Ye Shen’). The plot originated in the 5th century, which makes it about 1500 years old. This is a tale from the end of the ancient world, and marks the very beginning of when stories began to be written down. (Known also as the early modern era.)

What happens in Ye Xian?

How did ye xian make it to europe.

The story which later became Cinderella makes its way from China across to Europe along the silk roads, together with the silks, spices and diseases. Marco Polo was famously one of the first Europeans to penetrate China. He returned to Venice in 1290. We can see the beginnings of the earliest Cinderella stories in Europe from the early 1300s.

The Neapolitan Cinderella

Greek cinderella, german cinderella.

In August 202o, Parcast’s Tales podcast also published a German Cinderella. “When cruel tragedy befalls her closet friend, a young maiden named Two-Eyes takes her despair to a fairy, whose advice has enchanting results…”

Perrault’s Cinderella

Perrault’s tongue-in-cheek attitude makes it clear that he himself was sophisticated enough to find the story of Cinderella a little silly, but many popular versions of the story simply disregard Perrault’s tone and focus on the cheerful optimism of the events themselves. Perry Nodelman, Words About Pictures

"In Perrault's account [of Cinderella] fairies become fashionistas and stylists" Interesting discussion of glamour, fashion, and fairies by prof. Spooner #OGOMcon2021 #GothicFairies — Morgan Daimler (@MorganDaimler) April 10, 2021

Romanian Cinderella

In Romania there’s a version called Fairy White . The mistreated main character has only a cow. (The cow is called Fairy White). The stepmother serves the cow meat to the Cinderella character. Remembering the older Chinese tale, Romanians kept the part of the story in which the girl must cannibalise her fairy spirit.

Italian Cinderella

Grimm brothers’ cinderella.

The Grimm Brothers’ version was transcribed from an oral retelling delivered by a very old, very poor woman. It was written down October 1810. Theirs is a far more vivid, dark and wicked tale than the version by Perrault — is this because the woman who told it was herself living in dire circumstances?  The Grimm title translates to “Ash Fool” (Aschenputtel). In this version the girl has golden slippers. The Grimms’ oral source was not the French tale but came from China, bypassing Europe altogether. This shows that there are different streams and tracks for the migration of fairytales — following the various silk roads.

This tale is also sometimes known as The Little Glass Slipper or The Glass Slipper .

The glass slipper in the French retelling makes the story so memorable. Glass was always extremely rare, fragile and expensive. It really came from Venice, just as the story did. Venice was the hub of the world’s trade and also of storytelling. Stories came from places like Persia via Venice and disseminated elsewhere. The glass makes the girl perfect and rare.

The shoes are status symbols but also have an element of cruelty/fetishism to them. This is especially true in the Grimm version, with emphasis on how tiny the shoe is. When the prince arrives at Cinderella’s house and tries to put the step sisters’ feet into it the feet won’t fit. The mother tells the first step sister to chop off her toes. Gruesomely, she does. The other follows suit. The doves that had helped Cinderella say at this crucial point, ‘Too wit too woo, there’s blood in the shoe!” thereby ruining the step-sisters’ attempts to pass as more naturally dainty and good.

Why glass? It’s an especially resonant image. Like the milk finger in a The Electric Grandmother , we remember this detail. As a storytelling hook it works beautifully, but it was probably accidental. Glass is widely thought to have been a mistranslation of ‘fur’ from French.

Why Does The Tale Of Cinderella Survive?

This is a story of justice being served. We have a large appetite for revenge plots. We also like underdog stories. Cinderella’s journey towards being loved and having a happy home of her own tunes into a universal longing.

Cinderella paints some of the worst passions that can enter into the human breast , and of which little children should if possible be totally ignorant; such as envy, jealousy, a dislike to mothers-in-law and half-sisters, vanity, a love of dress, etc., etc. — a lady who wrote to Mrs Trimmer’s Guardian of Education in the 18th century In the real world, underdogs don’t often win , for the simple reason that those who are powerful use their power to control things. But the magical elements in fairy tales allow events to take place that couldn’t easily happen in real life. […] the magic in fairy tales isn’t capricious . In fact, the laws of physics or logic are suspended only to get the ‘good’ characters into trouble or to help them get out of trouble, or both. Pumpkins become coaches only when underdogs like Cinderella are in enough trouble to need a suspension of reality; the magic allows her to triumph, and then it stops. The Pleasures of Children’s Literature, Nodelman and Reimer

THE ENDURING APPEAL OF CINDERELLA

There is something immensely attractive in living through a character who does obtain revenge, who is proved to have value or — like the Danish detective — is finally proved right. The attraction of wish-fulfilment, benevolent or masochistic, can’t be underestimated — what else can explain the ubiquity of Cinderella or the current global dominance of the Marvel franchise? Isn’t there a Peter Parker in most of us longing to turn into Spider-Man? Our favourite characters are the ones who, at some silent level, embody what we all want for ourselves: the good, the bad and the ugly too. John Yorke, Into The Woods

THE CHARACTERISATION OF CINDERELLA

The passivity and stupidity of fairytale heroes and heroines may be a wise ability to accept that which transcends the limitations of ordinary reason and logic. Cinderella is passive and stupid enough—or wise enough?—to accept the help of her fairy godmother without question. Following this reading, it would appear that European fairy tales express the paradoxes central to the Christian culture they emerged from; the fool in his folly is wise, and the meek do inherit the earth. This, indeed, is the conclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien, who understands the ‘joy’ of the happy ending in fairy tales, what he called the ‘eucatastrophe’, as permitting readers a taste of the ultimate joy of resurrection that Christians hope for. The Pleasures of Children’s Literature, Nodelman and Reimer

Is Cinderella really that good?

We might speculate that, if there were a sequel to ‘Cinderella’ that fulfilled the expectations of fairy tales, Cinderella herself would probably have to be the villain. Her marriage has given her the sort of status and power audiences knowledgeable about the world of the fairy tale expect to be a source of evil. Her marriage has given her the sort of status and power audiences knowledgeable about the world of the fairy tale expect to  be a source of evil. The Pleasures of Children’s Literature, Nodelman and Reimer

Cinderella and her fairy godmother can also be coded as models for modern consumerism, exhibiting ideals which are rapidly losing tract as we head further into a climate crisis:

Now that Cinderella is dressed for the part, she can be the part. The recent film version of Cinderella, Ever After, made this even clearer by showing that court dress was actually a kind of disguise. And this modern Cinders isn’t ‘really an upstart; she deserves to get on because she is kind and good. The fairy godmother is a means of obtaining all this largesse without evil consumption; indeed, from Perrault onwards, Cinderella’s prudent housewifery is routinely contrasted with the doomed and fashion-conscious consumption of her stepmother and stepsisters. If the fairy godmother is simply replaced with an American Express Platinum Card, the fear that anyone might simply buy status is aroused. The story gets around this by delegating the bills to someone for whom they have no meaning. Diane Purkiss, Troublesome Things: A History of Fairies and Fairy Stories

The Screenprism video below depicts Cinderella as a trauma victim, focusing on the Disney version.

CINDERELLA AS UR-STORY

The cinderella story structure,  goody two-shoes.

The plot of Goody Two-Shoes seems to quite closely follow the bullet-points above. Though most of us know the term ‘Goody Two-Shoes’, the plot of the story is less well-known. As outlined by John Rowe Townsend in Written For Children:

A NOTE ON LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY

Little Lord Fauntleroy has been called “the best version of the Cinderella story in the modern idiom that exists.” (Laski.) It has also been discussed in the general terms of a fairy tale and as a Cinderella tale in particular. Much as the idea of the three sons, the first tow being good-for-nothing, and the youngest the most handsome, kind and worthy, is a fairy-tale pattern, Little Lord Fauntleroy […] is definitely not a Cinderella plot. Cedric has in fact not done anything to deserve his sudden happiness; he has not gone through any trials nor endured any hardships, he has not had any quest nor gained any experience. His tremendous goodness alone does not qualify him to be a Cinderella. The Cinderella (or Ugly Duckling) plot moves from ashes to diamonds, from nothing to everything, from humiliation to highest reward; Cedric at most exchanges spiritual wealth for material. Maria Nikolajeva, From Mythic to Linear: Time in children’s literature

CINDERELLA SUBVERSIONS

When I began to look for a modern Cinderella, I had more difficulty. The story is still being written, but not for an intellectual audience. The women’s magazines and the contemporary gothic novel are full of it, and (if we are to judge from the newspapers) it occurs frequently in real life. But serious women writers apparently no longer believe in upwardly mobile marriage as a happy ending. Even Edith Wharton, seventy or eighty years ago, didn’t believe in it: The House of Mirth is a devastating account of a Cinderella who doesn’t catch the prince and finally can’t even marry a toad; and in The Custom of the Country the prince goes off with the ugly sister. Alison Lurie, Don’t Tell The Grown-ups: The power of subversive children’s literature, writing in the 1990s

FEMINIST RE-VISIONINGS

He’s not nearly as attractive as he seemed the other night. / So I think I’ll just pretend that this glass slipper feels too tight. by Judith Viorst, who also wrote Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

The Paper Bag Princess By Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko

The Paper Bag Princess

Such stories often strike adult readers as both enjoyable and useful. They are funny, and they present worthwhile role models. What adults often forget to consider is the degree to which their pleasure in these stories depends on their knowledge of all those other stories in which the princes rescue the princesses. Without the outmoded, sexist schema of those stories to compare it with, The Paperbag Princess loses much of its humor and almost all of its point. If adults assume that such stories are good for children, then they must believe one of the following:

In fact, this last possibility seems the most likely one. In interviews with children about The Paperbag Princess , Bronwyn Davies discovered that they interpreted—we adults might say, misinterpreted—the story to make it fit into their already established ideas about appropriate behaviour for males and females. When Ronald thanks Elizabeth for rescuing him from the dragon by telling her she looks awful and that she should go away and come back only when she looks more like a princess, these children were convinced that he’s only doing what needs to be done. Elizabeth needs to be warned about the danger of behaving in such an unfeminine manner because her actions are a threat both to her and to Ronald. According to Davies, these children understood Ronald’s cruel words as what she calls ‘category maintenance work’: behaviour ‘aimed at maintaining the category as a meaningful category in the face of individual deviation which is threatening the category’. In this case, the category is gender roles, and the children Davies interviewed knew and believed traditional ideas about them thoroughly enough to reinvent the meaning of Munsch’s story. Not surprisingly, they had serious trouble making sense of Elizabeth’s apparent happiness at the end of it. Davies concludes, ‘Certainly the idea that children learn through stories what the world is about or that they use the characters in stories as ‘role models’ is not only too simplistic but it entirely misses the interactive dimension between the real and the imaginary’. The Pleasures of Children’s Literature

CINDERELMA AND ELLA ENCHANTED

In any case, all stories reflect the ideologies of their tellers. If those tellers aren’t yet as liberated as we might wish they were, then the stories they tell, despite their good intentions, won’t be any more liberated. In ‘Cinderelma’ from Dr. Gardner’s Fairy Tales for Today’s Children by Richard A. Gardner, MD, and in Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, a liberated woman still achieves happiness by marrying the man of her dreams. Indeed, marriage is the happy ending. The Pleasures of Children’s Literature

Cinderella and the Hot Air Balloon by Ann Jungman and Russell Ayto

Cinderfella.

Jerry Lewis starred in a movie called Cinderfella, about a male character in the same situation. He needs to be rescued.

Cinderella Dressed In Yella

See also: Cinderella Dressed In Yella by Ian Turner (Australian — Monash University). Turner taught Australian History and talked about football all the time. This second year lecture was so popular that people needed to be booked in advance. He gave a sexual interpretation to the egg shaped ball being passed around a field, passed around pies etc. He also talked about the tradition of folklore.

OTHER CINDERELLA RELATED LINKS

Reverse Cinderella. Just a bunch of rats and birds absolutely ruining a prince’s life until he is the perfect match for a local servant girl. [cf. Shrek !] @pairofclaws on Twitter 2022

Would someone please write this picture book? pic.twitter.com/xabxY8IeSI — Alison Weiss (@alioop7) July 21, 2020

CONTEMPORARY FICTION SET IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (2023)

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The Story of Cinderella – Grimm’s Fairy Tale

The Story of Cinderella

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a beautiful and pious girl named Cinderella. She was the only child of a wealthy man and his beloved wife. Sadly, Cinderella's mother fell ill and passed away, leaving her daughter with words of wisdom and love: “Dear child, be good and pious, and then the good God will always protect thee, and I will look down on thee from heaven and be near thee.” Cinderella was heartbroken by her mother's death, but she remained faithful to her mother's words and visited her grave every day to pray and weep.

As time passed, winter arrived and covered her mother's grave with a white sheet of snow. When spring came, the man remarried a woman who had two daughters of her own. They were beautiful on the outside but wicked and cruel in their hearts. The stepmother and stepsisters were jealous of Cinderella's beauty and kind nature, so they treated her poorly and forced her to do all the housework.

They took away her nice clothes, made her wear an old grey bed-gown, and gave her wooden shoes. The wicked stepsisters mocked her and called her names like "kitchen-wench" and "Cinderella," which means " little cinder girl ." Despite their mistreatment, Cinderella remained good and worked tirelessly, doing everything that was asked of her.

Her life was a daily struggle, from waking up before dawn to carrying water and chopping wood, to cooking and cleaning until late at night. Her stepsisters made her life even more miserable by pouring out her peas and lentils into the ashes, forcing her to pick them out one by one. Cinderella had no bed to sleep in and was forced to rest on the cold floor by the fireplace, which made her look dusty and dirty all the time.

One day, Cinderella's father was going to the fair, and he asked his stepdaughters what gifts they wanted him to bring back for them. They asked for beautiful dresses, pearls, and jewels. When he asked Cinderella, she simply replied, "Father, break off for me the first branch which knocks against your hat on your way home."

On his way home from the market, Cinderella’s father bought beautiful dresses, pearls, and jewels for his two step-daughters. As he rode through a green thicket, a hazel twig brushed against him, knocking off his hat. He broke off the branch and took it with him. Upon his arrival, he gave his step-daughters the gifts they had asked for, but for Cinderella, he gave her the hazel branch.

Cinderella thanked her father, went to her mother’s grave, planted the branch on it, and wept so much that her tears watered it. The branch grew into a handsome tree, and three times a day, Cinderella would sit beneath it, weep, and pray. A little white bird always came and if Cinderella expressed a wish, the bird would throw down to her what she had wished for.

Meanwhile, the King had appointed a festival to last three days, and all the beautiful young girls in the country were invited so that the Prince could choose a bride. When Cinderella's stepsisters learned of the festival, they asked her to comb their hair, brush their shoes, and fasten their buckles. Cinderella obeyed but wept, wishing she could attend the dance as well. She begged her stepmother to allow her to go, but her stepmother refused, saying she was dirty and had no suitable clothes or shoes.

As Cinderella continued to plead, her stepmother made a deal: if she could pick out a dish of lentils from the ashes in two hours, she could go to the festival. Cinderella went to the garden, called upon the birds, and recited, “You tame pigeons, you turtle-doves, and all you birds beneath the sky, come and help me to pick:

"Sort through the ash, winged friends of mine, Help me find the lentils, pure and fine."

Then, to Cinderella's surprise, two white pigeons flew in through the kitchen window followed by turtle-doves and birds of all kinds, fluttering and chirping as they landed among the ashes. The pigeons nodded their heads and began pecking at the grains, and the other birds soon joined in, picking the good ones and leaving the bad. In no time, they had gathered all the good grains into a dish and flew away as quickly as they had come.

Cinderella was overjoyed and took the dish to her stepmother, hoping it would convince her to let her attend the festival. But her stepmother was unimpressed and set Cinderella another impossible task. She was to pick two dishes of lentils out of the ashes in one hour. Cinderella knew it was hopeless, but then she remembered the birds that had helped her before. So she went out into the garden and cried out to them for help.

"Select the finest from the rest, And gather what is truly blessed."

To her amazement, the white pigeons and turtle-doves, as well as all the other birds in the sky, came whirring and crowding in once more. They landed amongst the ashes and began picking the good seeds into the dishes. Cinderella watched in awe as they finished the task in half an hour and flew away again. She brought the dishes to her stepmother, hoping it would finally convince her to let her go to the festival, but her stepmother remained cold-hearted and cruel.

"All this will not help thee; thou goest not with us, for thou hast no clothes and canst not dance; we should be ashamed of thee!" Her stepmother turned her back on Cinderella and left with her two daughters, leaving Cinderella alone once more.

As no one was at home, Cinderella went to her mother’s grave beneath the hazel-tree and cried out,

"My little tree, please do shiver, And let silver and gold flow like a river."

To her surprise, the bird threw a beautiful dress made of gold and silver, along with embroidered silk slippers. She quickly put on the dress and went to the festival. Her step-sisters and stepmother did not recognize her, thinking that she was a foreign princess because of her stunning appearance. They never once thought that she could be Cinderella, believing that she was still at home in the dirt, picking lentils out of the ashes. The prince was captivated by her beauty and danced with her all night. He would dance with no other maiden, and if anyone else came to invite her, he said, “This is my partner.”

After dancing until evening, Cinderella wanted to go home, but the prince offered to escort her. She managed to escape him, however, and ran into the pigeon-house. The prince waited until her father came and told him that the stranger maiden had leapt into the pigeon-house. The old man thought it might be Cinderella and tried to find her. They searched inside the pigeon-house, but no one was there. When they arrived home, Cinderella was lying in her dirty clothes among the ashes, and a dim little oil-lamp was burning on the mantle-piece. She had quickly jumped down from the back of the pigeon-house and run to the little hazel-tree. There, she had taken off her beautiful clothes and laid them on her mother’s grave. The bird had taken them away, and she had put on her grey gown, hiding in the kitchen.

The next day, when the festival began again and her parents and step-sisters had gone, Cinderella went to the hazel-tree and said,

The next day, the bird brought down a dress even more beautiful than the one Cinderella wore the day before. She appeared at the festival, stunning everyone with her beauty. The prince eagerly waited for her and danced only with her. Whenever someone else invited her to dance, he quickly claimed her as his own partner. As the evening drew to a close, Cinderella wished to leave, but the King's son followed her to discover where she lived.

Cinderella ran away from him and into the garden behind her house. There stood a tall, beautiful tree with magnificent pears hanging from it. She climbed up the tree so nimbly that the King's son could not keep up with her. He waited until her father arrived and said to him, "The stranger-maiden has escaped from me, and I believe she has climbed up the pear-tree."

Cinderella's father thought that it might be her and had the tree cut down with an axe. However, when they searched the tree, there was no one there. Cinderella had jumped down on the other side of the tree and made her way back to the kitchen, where she lay in the ashes as usual. She had taken the beautiful dress to the bird on the little hazel-tree and put on her grey gown.

On the third day, when her family had left for the festival, Cinderella went to her mother's grave and recited the same spell as before. The bird threw down a dress more splendid and magnificent than any before, with golden slippers to match. At the festival, no one knew what to say when they saw Cinderella in her stunning dress. The King's son danced only with her and refused to allow anyone else to dance with her, insisting that she was his partner.

As evening fell, Cinderella knew she had to leave the grand ball, and the Prince desperately wanted to follow her, but she escaped too quickly for him to catch up. However, the Prince had a plan. He smeared the entire staircase with pitch, and as Cinderella ran down it, her left slipper got stuck. The Prince picked it up, and it was small, delicate, and made of pure gold.

The next day, the Prince went to Cinderella's home with the slipper and announced that he would marry only the woman whose foot fit this golden slipper. The two stepsisters were thrilled, as they believed they had pretty feet. The older stepsister tried the slipper on in her room with her mother by her side. She could not fit her big toe in it, and the shoe was too small for her. Her mother gave her a knife and told her to cut off her toe, saying, "When you become Queen, you won't have to walk anywhere." The stepsister cut off her toe, forced her foot into the shoe, and swallowed her pain before going to the Prince. He took her on his horse and rode away with her as his bride.

The Fairy Tale of Cinderella

As they passed the hazel tree on the way home, the two pigeons sang:

"Behold, within the shoe there's blood, Too small it is, this is no dud, The true bride is still yet to come, Turn and seek, don't be undone."

The Prince saw blood streaming from her foot and realized she was not the true bride. He turned his horse around and took her back home, where he announced that she was not the one. The other stepsister then tried on the shoe in her chamber, managing to get her toes safely inside, but her heel was too large for the shoe. Her mother gave her a knife and told her to cut off a bit of her heel, saying, "When you become Queen, you won't have to walk anywhere." The stepsister cut a bit of her heel, forced her foot into the shoe, and swallowed her pain before going to the Prince. He took her on his horse and rode away with her as his bride.

As they passed the hazel tree, the two pigeons sang once more:

The Prince looked down and saw the blood dripping from Cinderella's shoe, staining her white stocking. He turned his horse around and brought the false bride back. "This is not the right one," he said. "Do you have no other daughter?" "No," the man replied. "There is only a little kitchen-wench left by my late wife, but she can't be the bride." However, the Prince insisted on seeing her, and Cinderella had to be called.

After washing her hands and face, Cinderella approached the Prince, who handed her the golden shoe. She sat down, removed her heavy wooden shoe, and slipped her foot into the delicate shoe, which fit perfectly. As she stood up, the Prince recognized the beautiful maiden he had danced with and exclaimed, "That is the true bride!"

The stepmother and stepsisters were horrified and filled with rage. The Prince, however, took Cinderella on his horse and rode away with her. As they passed the hazel tree, the two white doves cried out,

"Turn and glance, turn and glance, No blood stains her shoe, The shoe fits her perfectly, The true bride is riding with you."

The two doves then flew down and placed themselves on Cinderella's shoulders, one on the right and one on the left, and remained sitting there.

When the wedding with the Prince had to be celebrated, the two false sisters came and wanted to share Cinderella's good fortune. When the betrothed couple went to church, the elder sister was at the right side and the younger at the left. The pigeons pecked out one eye of each of them. Afterwards, as they came back, the elder was at the left and the younger at the right, and the pigeons pecked out the other eye of each.

And so, for their wickedness and falsehood, they were punished with blindness as long as they lived. But Cinderella married the Prince and lived happily ever after.

The Story of Cinderella – Grimm’s Fairy Tale -

The Moral Lesson of "Cinderella"

"Cinderella" is a classic fairy tale with several important themes and lessons. Here are some of the key messages that can be taken from the story:

1. Kindness and compassion

One of the main themes of "Cinderella" is the importance of kindness and compassion. Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, but she remains kind and gentle throughout. This kindness is rewarded when her fairy godmother appears and helps her attend the ball. In the end, Cinderella's goodness is recognized by the prince, who chooses her as his bride.

2. Perseverance and resilience

Cinderella is faced with many obstacles throughout the story, but she never gives up. Despite being treated poorly by her family, she remains hopeful and determined. This resilience is rewarded when she is able to attend the ball and ultimately marry the prince.

3. Inner beauty

Another important lesson in "Cinderella" is that inner beauty is more important than outward appearance. Cinderella is kind, gentle, and loving, and these qualities make her attractive to the prince. In contrast, her stepsisters are vain and cruel, and their ugly personalities make them unattractive.

4. Good triumphs over evil

The stepmother and stepsisters in "Cinderella" represent evil, and they are ultimately punished for their cruelty. Cinderella, on the other hand, represents good, and she is rewarded for her kindness and perseverance.

Overall, "Cinderella" teaches important lessons about kindness, perseverance, inner beauty, and the triumph of good over evil.

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Interpreting “Cinderella” by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
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Cinderella, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, tells the story of a young child, Cinderella, whose mother dies and her father re-marries a cruel step-mom who has two daughters. In spite of the continuous mistreatment by her step-mom and stepsisters, Cinderella does not return evil for evil; she stays true to her mother’s wish that she be good and pious. Fortunately, luck finally smiles upon her; she wins the heart of the prince in the Kingdom, and they get married.

The story, Cinderella, insinuates that people with higher power and social class should hold higher moral character over those of a lower social class and those who act piously would eventually ascend to a higher social standard. On the other side, the evil ones are defeated by the power of good. However, the story also implies that women must depend on their good character in hopes of finding a man who can take good care of them, especially in financial matters.

In the story Cinderella, the message communicated is that those who are rich tend to have a higher morality than those who belong to lower socio-economic classes. In contrast to the noble acts and intentions of the Monarchy – the King and specifically the Prince, characters belonging in the lower socio-economic classes appear as having comparatively lower moral standards. The stepmother and her daughters, and even Cinderella’s father, are all portrayed as evil and they are representatives of the lower class.

The stepsisters mistreat and despise Cinderella. “Is the stupid goose to sit in the parlor with us?” (Grimm and Wilhelm Para. 2), they ask as they set forth the pattern of continuous mistreatment of their stepsister. This evil nature is true of their mother and stepfather too. On the other hand, the king and prince appear as inherently good, with the prince willing to give the poor maiden a chance to try to fit the shoe of royalty even though it seems most unlikely she is the girl he is looking for (Grimm and Wilhelm Para. 13).

Similarly, Cinderella portrays the concept that those born into a lower economic class and acquire a similar moral character as those of a higher class, will ultimately be brought up into a higher social stature. This idea is especially true of Cinderella who endures harsh circumstances once her mother in-law steps into the house. Due to her continued good behavior, even miracles work out for her.

In paragraph two of the story, a bird caters for her wishes, seemingly because of her positive moral behavior: “…a little white bird always came on the tree, and if Cinderella expressed a wish, the bird threw down to her what she had wished for” (Grimm and Wilhelm Para. 2). In the end, Cinderella marries the prince in the ultimate triumph of her pious beliefs and acts of good over evil, and she goes to the very top of the socio-economic ladder.

The concept of good things coming to good people is explored in Cinderella. Most probably still in her teens, Cinderella endures verbal and emotional abuse that would quickly overwhelm anyone her age. In spite of her humility, she is mockingly called a “proud princess” and is overworked by her stepmother and stepsisters: “There she had to do hard work from morning till night, get up before daybreak, fetch water, light fire, cook, and wash” (Grimm and Wilhelm Para. 2).

All the mocking and ill-treatment are depicted as a trial for Cinderella. Nevertheless, she eventually wins the eye of the prince, gets married to him and her journey to the palace becomes a reward for her endurance, patience, and virtues. Her mother, while dying, beseeched her to be good and always prayerful, and told her that if she did these things, the Good Lord would always protect her, and her mother would look down on her from heaven with favor (Grimm and Wilhelm Para. 1).

Therefore, when she moves out of her life of misery and poverty by virtue of marrying the prince, her reward for being pious is implied. On the other hand, the evil acts of the stepmother and her daughters are punished in the end. The two daughters, in their vain attempts to fit into the shoe that the prince had come with while seeking Cinderella, end up with amputated toes and heels.

Additionally, the Cinderella story explores the idea that engaging in wickedness and greed will eventually lead to one’s downfall. Despite their unceasing efforts to subjugate Cinderella, the stepmother and her daughters eventually loose the fight. Their dramatic defeat is magnified when, to their shock and consternation, and after the girls separately cut off their toes and feet in vain attempts to fit into Cinderella’s shoe, she fits perfectly into the shoe and the prince cries, “That is the true bride” (Grimm and Wilhelm Para. 12).

The two daughters, after realizing that Cinderella is as now of her higher socio-economic status than they are, they decide to belatedly befriend her and accompany her to her wedding. However, they both have their eyes gouged out by birds that have erstwhile been providentially protecting and providing for Cinderella.

In addition, Cinderella as a story communicates the idea that women must depend on their good character in the hopes of finding a man who would take care of them financially. All of Cinderella’s struggles and her eventual triumph over poverty are directed towards settling into marriage. Cinderella primarily wins the heart of the prince by acting like a ‘good girl’ and within the society’s moral expectations, and her eventual reward is not a good job, or a beautiful home, but marriage to a prince (Grimm and Wilhelm Para. 13).

The two evil stepsisters, with the support of their stepmother, engage in extreme acts in order to get married to the prince, a sure ticket to a life of financial stability. The story therefore depicts marriage as the only route through which women can acquire social and financial stability, and women are portrayed as willing to sacrifice a lot in order to be married.

In conclusion, Cinderella is underscores three different truths; first, persons from high social classes are expected to have, high moral standards. The king and the prince portray high moral standards through out the story. Second, evil breeds evil and good deeds births goodness. The wicked stepmother and her equally loathsome daughters pay fro their evil deeds while Cinderella receives goodness as the story closes. Finally, the story insinuates that marriage is one of the itineraries to financial security, at least for women.

Works Cited

Grimm, Jacob, and Wilhelm, Grimm. Household Tales (Cinderella). Vol. XVII, Part 2. The Harvard Classics. New York: P.F. Collier & Son, 2001. Web.

• “Good Readers and Good Writers” by Vladimir Nabokov
• On How to Tell a Great Story
• Analysis of Cinderella Story
• Folk Tale in ‘A Cinderella Story’ by Mark Rosman
• Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s “Little Red Cap"
• ‘Homer’s The Odyssey’ by Bernhard Frank Literature Analysis
• Freedom in Henrik Ibsen’s "A Doll’s House" Literature Analysis
• "Eveline" by James Joyce Examination
• In the Realm of a Dying Emperor by Norma Field
• The Concept of Idealism in the Book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Essay on Cinderella

Students are often asked to write an essay on Cinderella in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Cinderella

The story of cinderella.

Cinderella is a classic fairy tale about a kind-hearted girl who lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. They treat her very badly, making her do all the work.

Her Fairy Godmother

One day, a fairy godmother appears and transforms Cinderella. She gets a beautiful dress, glass slippers, and a chance to go to the royal ball.

The Royal Ball

At the ball, the prince falls in love with her. But Cinderella must leave before midnight when her magic wears off.

The Glass Slipper

The prince finds the glass slipper Cinderella left behind and searches for her. When he finds her, they live happily ever after.

250 Words Essay on Cinderella

The legacy of cinderella.

The tale of Cinderella, a universal narrative, has transcended time and cultures, evolving into a global phenomenon. It is not merely a fairy tale, but a cultural artifact that mirrors society’s values and norms.

Societal Reflections

Cinderella’s story, at its core, is a commentary on societal structure and class distinctions. The protagonist, a young woman of low social standing, rises above her circumstances through her virtues and a bit of magic. This narrative arc reflects the aspiration for social mobility, a universal human desire.

The Role of Femininity

Femininity is a central theme in Cinderella. The protagonist is portrayed as kind, patient, and enduring, reflecting traditional feminine virtues. However, this portrayal has been criticized for promoting passive femininity and reliance on external aid for empowerment.

Transformation of the Tale

The story of Cinderella has undergone significant transformations over the centuries. The Brothers Grimm offered a darker version, while Disney’s rendition is more romantic and magical. These variations reflect the changing societal attitudes and expectations.

In conclusion, Cinderella is not just a fairy tale for children. It is a complex narrative that reflects societal norms, aspirations, and evolving perceptions of femininity. Its enduring popularity attests to its universal appeal and its ability to adapt to changing societal contexts.

500 Words Essay on Cinderella

Introduction to cinderella, historical context and variations.

The tale of Cinderella is not confined to a single culture or time period. The earliest known version, ‘Rhodopis’, is from ancient Greece, dating back to the first century BC. The most popular version, however, is Charles Perrault’s ‘Cendrillon’, published in 1697, which introduced the pumpkin carriage, fairy godmother, and glass slipper. The Brothers Grimm also presented a darker, more realistic version in their collection. These variations reflect the socio-cultural contexts of their times, demonstrating the adaptability of the Cinderella narrative.

Symbolism and Themes

The tale is rich with symbolism and themes that resonate with audiences. Cinderella, the oppressed heroine, symbolizes resilience and virtue in the face of adversity. Her transformation signifies the potential for change and the power of hope. The glass slipper, unique to her, represents her distinct identity and inherent worth. The narrative explores themes of social mobility, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.

Cinderella in Modern Media

Critical perspectives.

Critics often examine Cinderella from various perspectives. Feminist critics argue that traditional versions perpetuate patriarchal norms, portraying Cinderella as a passive woman whose success depends on a man. However, others see Cinderella as a symbol of resilience and patience, enduring hardship with grace and kindness. Some critics also analyze the story from a socio-economic perspective, highlighting its portrayal of class disparities and social mobility.

Cinderella is more than just a fairy tale; it is a cultural phenomenon that has evolved over centuries, reflecting the values and concerns of different societies. Its universal themes and enduring appeal make it a rich subject for analysis and reinterpretation. Whether viewed as a simple tale of triumph over adversity or a complex narrative laden with socio-cultural implications, Cinderella continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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DLTK's Fairy Tale Activities Cinderella

© Written by Tasha Guenther and illustrated by Leanne Guenther Cinderella fairy tale based on the original story by Charles Perrault

Once upon a time in a land much like yours and mine, lived a young girl named Ella. She was born in a small house with her mother, Lily, and her father, a hardworking merchant.

Her mother was kind, loving, and patient, and her father was happy. They were a gracious family, who saw wonderful success. Such success allowed them to move into a large, four thousand-acre estate.

Ella loved the lily gardens around the estate and spent much of her time there. In these gardens she met an odd, yet charming array of friends: three blind mice, an uncountable number of birds, and a spider monkey named Zuzu, who had escaped from her wealthy neighbor’s menagerie.

Months after they arrived, however, Ella’s mother fell sick. She died shortly after, leaving a heartbroken husband.

After her death, he left on business more regularly and left Ella alone to grow into a woman of parallel kindness to her mother.

During one of his travels, Ella’s father met a woman. By the time he arrived home on the day of Ella’s 16th birthday, he was married once more.

The woman arrived in an extravagant horse-drawn carriage with her two daughters. The three ladies stepped out head-to-toe in silk, lace, gems, and fur. Ella smiled and greeted her new stepfamily but, disregarding her kindness, they huffed and hollered at the coachman.

“Goodness me” began the stepmother, “it’s like he purposefully drove over all those potholes.”

“And the rocks! My poor dress! Ruined at the seams!” screeched the eldest stepsister.

“I have bruises ALL over! And my haaair” whined the youngest.

Ella watched wide-eyed as the newcomers spent the next weeks changing everything about the estate. Walls were painted pink, grass was replaced with stone, and the lily gardens were removed and changed for rose ones.

As months passed, her father’s business began to decline. He turned solely to trade and was away for months at sea. While travelling, Ella was Cinderella, a name given to her by her terrible stepfamily. She cleaned, and cooked, and did everything for them. But when her father came home for short periods of time, Ella was Ella. She was ignored by her stepsisters but treated with false-kindness by her stepmother.

Ella never dared to tell her father about the wickedness of his new wife. She could not bear to have her poor father’s heart broken again.

One evening at dinner, her father sat beside his beloved Ella and whispered to her: “I received a letter today.”

“A letter? Who from?” she whispered back, avoiding the hot glare from her stepmother.

“The King,” he replied, smiling.

“The King!” exclaimed the stepmother.

“What does the King want with her?” screeched the eldest stepsister.

 “Mother! I thought you said nooo animals in the house! Why is that THING in here?” whined the youngest.

 “Cinder – I mean Ella… darling? Would you please get your monkey off the table?” the stepmother asked through clenched teeth.

Ella patted her lap and Zuzu hopped down. He grabbed a piece of bread from her plate and ran out of the large dining hall.

“What does it say?” the stepmother asked.

Ella’s father reached into his tailcoat, pulled out an engraved letter, and handed it to Ella. She read the handwritten words aloud: “On behalf of the King, Their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, you are invited to attend the Prince’s Masquerade Ball to be held in a fortnight.”

“Why that’s just two weeks away!” exclaimed the stepmother.

“TWO weeks?” chimed the stepsisters.

For the next two weeks, the women scampered around the house in frenzy; they could not contain their excitement. Ella took freedom’s opportunity to spend time with her father. They replanted a small lily garden behind manor.

On his last night at home, Ella’s father brought her a large box with a white ribbon on it.

“For you,” he said.

She opened it to find a pastel pink dress inside. She could, again, feel the glare from her stepmother.

“You must go to bed, dear Ella. We all have a big day tomorrow. The Prince’s decision will be the right one, I suspect. My eldest is ravishing! And we must all celebrate their soon-to-be marriage at the ball,” the stepmother exclaimed.

Ella bid a sad farewell to her father, scooped up the three blind mice hiding under her new dress, and ran up the stairs to her room. Zuzu and the rest of her tiny friends followed her.

“No animals in the –”

Ella shut her door before her stepmother could finish. Sleeping soundly that night, she had wonderful dreams of the prince and the ball.

The next morning, she awoke to loud shouts and screams.

“Cinderella!” screeched the eldest stepsister.

“Cinderellaaa!” whined the youngest.

Ella was again Cinderella – a slave to her stepfamily.

She swept the floors with the corn broom, washed the walls with the sponge, pruned the gardens with the cutters, and prepared breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. The ladies sat out in the rose garden on white chairs, hidden under an excessively frilly umbrella. Cinderella was called over.

“Bring down that gorgeous dress my dear husband bought,” her stepmother commanded shrewdly.

“The pink gown?” Cinderella asked.

“Correct. Bring it down at once,” she commanded again.

 “Wrap it up in that pretty box!” the eldest quipped with a sly grin at her sister.

“With the WHITE ribbon on top!” the two stepsisters shouted in unison. They fell into a fit of laughter as their wicked mother sipped her tea indifferently.

“Oh, goodness. She is ripe with jealousy, isn’t she?” Cinderella overheard the stepmother remark.

“Isn’t she just? Must be hard to see such a pretty gown look better on someone else,” screeched the eldest.

Cinderella curled their wigs, sewed their masquerade masks, hemmed their dresses, and powdered their faces.

Then the women left for the ball in the same extravagant horse-drawn carriage they had first arrived in.

Cinderella ran to her room and wept softly on her bed. She heard shuffles beside her and looked up to see her tiny friends. In front of them lay a mask.

“Did you make this for me?” she asked softly.

Zuzu pushed the mask closer.

She picked up the small mask and held it up to her face. She giggled. The mask was made up of twigs from the birds’ nests; it had lily petals sewn on – three had been sewn particularly poorly, but Cinderella knew the blind mice had tried their best.

She looked at her friends, wept, and said:

“If only I could go to the ball and wear your beautiful mask. I truly wish I could.”

Just then, a shower of golden glitter rained from the ceiling.

WHOOSH, WHOOSH, SWIRL, BAM!

“Oopsie! I can never make an entrance. Nice to meet ya lady, I’m your fairy friend. The name’s Fairy but you can call me… Well, you can call me Fairy. I never did get a nickname. Hah huh!” squealed a high-pitched little winged woman in a golden gown.

Cinderella and her friends backed away from the odd creature. The fairy whooshed and swirled around the room.

“Did I hear correctly? You wanna go to that big ball? It’s gonna be a big one! Hah huh! I’ve got just the dress for you… I do!”

And with one flick of her tiny golden wand Cinderella was dressed in a beautiful blue gown with gorgeous glass slippers. She grabbed her mask and hurriedly followed Fairy out of the manor.

Fairy whistled loudly and motioned Cinderella into the silver carriage.

“Now go, go, go! Or you’re going to be late! Don’t be late! Oopsie! Hah huh! Don’t forget lady, this only lasts until midnight… on the dot!”

Cinderella waved goodbye to her friends and the odd fairy creature. She held on tight as the silver carriage zoomed towards the King’s castle.

Once she arrived at the massive stone palace, she was escorted to the banquet hall. Upon entering the large golden-walled and ruby-floored room, Cinderella felt all eyes on her.

“Oh my!” and “What a wonder!” and “That mask is so strange!” and “Her extravagance is breathtaking!” were among the comments Cinderella heard as she passed by Dukes and Duchesses, Lords and Ladies, all dressed in the finest attire.

Suddenly, a handsome man bowed gently in front of her and asked to dance. His blue eyes glimmered behind his ruby-encrusted mask as she curtsied and took his outstretched hand.

She danced with him for the entire night. They discussed many things and the man was surprised at her knowledge about business.

“You enchant me. My grandfather desires that I spend my evening looking for the right woman, but I seem to have found her already,” the man said.

“Your grandfather?” Cinderella asked.

“Yes, surely you know him,” the man smiled.

Just as she was about to respond, Cinderella heard the large golden clock in the center of the banquet hall strike midnight.          DONG!         DONG!         DONG!

As the clock began to countdown, Cinderella apologized hurriedly and ran as fast as she could out of the palace. She jumped into the silver carriage, dropping one of her glass slippers. She held on tightly as the carriage zoomed away from the palace.

Cinderella had a sleepless night, unable to get the image of the man’s blue eyes out of her mind.

The next morning she swept the floors with the corn broom, washed the walls with the sponge, pruned the gardens with the cutters, and began preparing breakfast. As she set the dining table, she could hear the wicked ladies complaining.

“Terrible ordeal that was!” screeched the eldest.

“QUITE horrid!” whined the youngest.

“The prince was with that woman all night.”

“It’s because you wore that uuugly pink dress.”

“Now, now, girls. Come eat your breakfast. And wipe that stunned look off your face, Cinderella. It doesn’t suit you,” said the stepmother.

Before they could be seated, a loud knock came at the door. The women rushed to the entrance and squealed at the sight of the royal doorman. Cinderella came behind the ladies slowly.

“Presenting the Prince of the Greatest Land of all Lands,” the doorman shouted. “The woman he seeks to marry wore this glass slipper,” he continued. The ladies squealed again.

“It’s a glass slipper!” Cinderella called out and moved closer. Her stepmother shoved her away.

“Who said that?” asked a familiar voice.

“I did!” the eldest stepsister cried.

Then, she tried the slipper on with no success: the slipper would not fit. Then, the youngest sister tried the slipper on. Again, no triumph came for her.

Cinderella knew she could not call out again – her stepmother would surely punish her if she did. So, she grabbed Zuzu and began to walk up the stairs. 

“Who is that?” called the familiar voice. Cinderella turned around and caught a glimpse of the handsome blue eyes looking up at her. The man from the ball was the Prince.

“Ella,” she replied softly.

Without a word, he led her away from her stunned wicked stepfamily and into the royal carriage. She motioned her tiny friends to follow. The prince looked at all the animals in the carriage and laughed.

“You are enchanting,” he said, looking into Ella’s eyes.

The two were married as soon as they could be and had a daughter, whom Ella named Lily. Once King and Queen, they disallowed anyone to capture exotic animals for captivity in menageries, set out laws that allowed the merchant class to prosper, and lived happily ever after.

Printable version

About Tasha :

My name is Tasha Guenther. I currently live in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, while I finish my Ph.D. in Cultural Studies with a concentration in digital cultures at McMaster University. I am an avid academic essay/book chapter writer, but I also enjoy writing short stories and non-fiction pieces. You can read more of my DLTKsCrafts work here !

Alongside my learning, studying, and thinking about digital platforms and critical theory, I appreciate long conversations with close friends, reading poetry, and taking photos of my cat. Learn more about me  here  or connect with me on my  Instagram ,  Twitter , VSCO , and  Facebook accounts.

You may also enjoy reading a "fractured fairy tale" version of this story in rhyme, How Cinderella Disposed of Her Shoe .

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Cinderella – English Short Story for Kids.

Cinderella – English Short Story for Kids

Once upon a time, in a village, there lived a beautiful girl named Cinderella with her wicked stepmother and two step sisters. She worked hard all day. One day, they all went to a ball in the palace, leaving Cinderella behind. Cinderella was feeling sad. Suddenly there was a burst of light and the fairy godmother appeared. 

With a flick of the magic she turned Cinderella into a beautiful princess with glass slippers and a horse carriage appeared at the door. The fairy godmother warned Cinderella to return before midnight. Cinderella arrived at the ball, the prince saw her and fell in love with her. 

They danced together all night. As the clock struck twelve, Cinderella rushed out to her carriage leaving one of her slippers behind. 

The prince went to every house in the town with the slipper until he found Cinderella. The prince and Cinderella lived happily ever after

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Cinderella Modern Retelling

Cinderella #MeToo Fairytale ~ Fairytales for Today's Girls 

This Classic Tale is reimagined with a modern twist and the true meaning of love beyond looks. Cinderella #MeToo Fairytale is brought to you by Stories to Grow by . 

Thank you, Artist Carla Oly

Ashes fell in Cinderella’s hair and dirt smudged her apron.  Her stepmother and stepsisters laughed at her.  In sharp, mean voices they would laugh, “What a mess you are!”  It was hard for Cinderella. She thought, “They may talk mean to me, but that doesn't mean I have to think the same way they do."  Deep inside she would think, "I may look like a mess but I am not a mess, not really.  And someday, somehow, I will get out of here.”

One day, exciting news swept through the village.  The King and Queen announced they were going to host a ball!  What was most exciting is that every young maiden was invited to come and at the ball, their son, the Prince, would choose a bride.  Well, you can imagine how excited Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters were to hear about this! At once, they turned to Cinderella and pointed their fingers at her.

Deep inside she would think, "I may look like a mess but I am not a mess, not really."

“Cinderella, make me a new dress!”

“I want a long veil!”

“Cinderella, now !”

The girl worked as fast as she could, her fingers flying.  She sewed ruffles and buttons and flounces onto dresses for her stepsisters and her stepmother that had to present the latest style, and nothing less.

As she sewed, Cinderella looked up at her stepmother.  “When may I start my own dress?”

“ You ?!” snapped the stepmother.  “What makes you think you're going to the ball?”

“ You ?!" snapped the stepmother.  "What makes you think you're going to the ball?"  

“I mean, I just thought–“

“Think again!”  The stepmother turned her back on Cinderella.  To her daughters, she said, “Girls, get ready! Before you know it, our carriage will be here.”

The stepsisters primped and fussed. Cinderella sank into a corner.  When the carriage arrived at the door, the stepmother and stepsisters, their noses high in the air, stepped into the carriage.  Off they all rode, giggling and shimmering in their finery.

Now let's go back in time a few days.  We'll peek inside the palace where we see the Prince pacing.  The ball is just days away, and he's getting more and more alarmed.   His mother and father said not to worry, it would be easy to choose a bride from all the young ladies who would attend the ball.  Yet how could he tell just by looking at them, which young lady he should marry?

At last the Prince settled on a plan.  It so happened that one of his loyal servants was about the same size and age as he, and the servant looked very much like him.  “If my servant and I were to switch clothes,” thought the Prince, “I could act as a servant for the night.  As servant, I could watch the ladies when they don't think anyone is paying attention, and find out more about them.”

At last the Prince settled on a plan.

You can be sure the servant was very glad to pretend to be the Prince for one night! He practiced all day talking like the true  Prince and walking like him.  At the night of the ball, the pretend Prince stood ready to receive his guests. And the true Prince, as a pretend servant, was put to work.

Now that you know what was really going on at the royal palace, let’s return to Cinderella. When her stepmother and stepsister's carriage disappeared into the distance, she called out in despair. “Why is this happening to me!  It’s not fair!”

“Lots of things in life aren’t fair,” said a voice behind her.  "The question is, what can  be done about it?"

Cinderella could hardly speak. “Wait, who are...? I mean...?”

“Oh, fiddle faddle!” said the Fairy with a toss of her head.  “Am I your Fairy Godmother, or am I not?”

“You are?” said Cinderella, not really knowing.

“Of course!” said she with a sharp nod.  The Fairy Godmother wove her wand.  At once, a gold-trimmed carriage appeared with a driver and four fine horses.  

“Is this for real?” said Cinderella.  

“Believe it,” said the Fairy Godmother.  “Oh, and one more thing.” With another wave of the wand, Cinderella’s rags were gone.  She was wearing the loveliest blue gown she could ever imagine!  Cinderella marveled at her new fine gown.  But the Fairy Godmother spoke in a stern voice, “Now pay attention!"

"To what?" said Cinderella, still in a glow.

"At the stroke of midnight, this spell will wear off. All of this, everything you see, will disappear.  Everything will go back to the way it was before.”

“I will remember,” said Cinderella, who wasn't in the least bit worried.  The night was young, and midnight was many hours away.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” said the Fairy Godmother briskly. “Get inside your carriage!”

Cinderella stepped in, barely believing it all.  The horses and carriage seemed to fly through the air.  With the speed of wind, she was headed to the ball!

Now let us leave Cinderella.  We are returning to the palace.  The pretend Prince, who you no doubt remember is really the Prince's servant, was having the time of his life.  Each lady, and this included Cinderella’s stepsisters, laughed very loudly at any remark he happened to make.  They adored him completely.  They wanted nothing more than to let him talk on and on about himself. Whatever it took to keep his attention.

When Cinderella arrived at the ball, she caught the eye of the pretend Prince.  He waved to her as if to say, “You! Next!” Cinderella was a bit surprised, thinking that was rather like the way her stepmother and stepsisters called our orders to her.  But she went over to the pretend Prince and bowed. They started to dance.

“Of course you want to hear all about me,” he stated.

“Of course you want to hear all about me," he stated.

“Well, all right,” said Cinderella.  The Prince chatted on. All the while he wondered, “Why isn’t this one laughing and giggling?  Why isn’t she adoring me like the others?” As soon as the song ended, he gave her a curt nod and turned around. Three finely-dressed ladies were waving to him from across the room and shouting, “Me, me!   My turn, Your Highness!” He pointed to one of the ladies, and the other two groaned with disappointment. The one he pointed to shrieked with delight and ran toward him, tripping over her gown. Cinderella stepped back.  The prince danced off with his new partner. Cinderella wondered, “What just happened?”

At that moment, Cinderella noticed something glinting in the corner of her eye.  It was a silver tray leaning against the wall. What she didn’t know is that the pretend servant, who as you know was really the Prince, had been given a silver tray to fill with pastries to offer the guests.  He had set down the tray to move closer to some of the ladies to hear them talking. While he was gone, it was moved. When he returned to the spot, the tray was gone! He couldn’t think about listening to any more ladies.  He must find that tray!  

When he returned to the spot, the tray was gone!

Cinderella noticed a servant in the distance who seemed to be dashing about, looking for something.  She picked up the silver tray and took it over to him. “Excuse me,” she said. “Could this be what you’re looking for?”

The would-be servant smiled with gratitude. “Thank you,” he said with a bow. “I was looking everywhere for it.  I can’t tell you how glad I am you brought it to me.”  How kind she was to seek him out this way to bring back his tray - he, a lowly servant! The pretend prince wanted to talk more to this lady.  He said, “If I may ask, how are you enjoying the ball, my lady?”

“It’s fine,” said Cinderella. “But in a way, I must confess it is not quite what I thought.”

“How do you mean?” asked the pretend servant.

“It’s hard to say,” said Cinderella slowly. “I suppose I came to dance with the Prince.  And I did. But there was something about it. Somehow I thought it would be different.”

“Somehow I thought it would be different."

The musicians started a new song.  “My lady,” said the pretend servant, “may I have a quick dance?  So you can compare, I mean.”

“Why not?” said Cinderella with a smile.  

At the next beat of music, the two of them whirled around.  They danced and laughed, and seemed to float in the air as they whirled about.  Cinderella felt as if they knew each other, but how could that be?

Then she stopped. “Oh dear!” she said. “I must not keep you from your duties.”

“Of course,” said the pretend servant.  He quickly picked up the silver tray and gave a quick bow to Cinderella.  Off he went to the kitchen to fill it with pastries for the guests.

Just then the clock began to chime.  “Dong!” it rang.

Just then the clock began to chime.

Cinderella did not hear the chime.  She was lost in thought. There was something about that servant.  But what?

“Dong, dong, dong!” rang the clock again.

“Oh, my!” Then Cinderella remembered – she must leave the ball right away!  As soon as the clock struck midnight, the spell would vanish - everything would return to how it was before!

The clock kept on chiming. Cinderella ran up the steps to the front door.  She ran so fast, one of her glass slippers fell off. Yet she had no time to pick it up.  Hobbling with one shoe, she ran to the carriage. “Quick, Cinderella, get inside!” the driver called axiously.

As soon as Cinderella was safely in the carriage, the horses raced out of the palace grounds.  Just then, the clock struck midnight. The carriage, the four horses, and the driver all vanished in a puff of smoke. Once again, Cinderella was dressed in her ordinary rags.  She was far from home. She would have to walk the long way home.  It was nearly morning by the time she tiptoed inside, not that anyone noticed. Her stepmother and stepsisters were sound asleep and snoring loudly.

What Cinderella did not know was that while she was running up the steps, the pretend servant - the true Prince, that is - had noticed her running out and had followed her out the door.  But by the time he got outside and looked around, there was no trace of her. He noticed one glass slipper shimmering in the moonlight. He picked it up in wonder. He did not know the name of the young woman he had met -  the only clue he had was this one glass slipper. The mysterious young woman must have the other glass slipper.  Somehow, he must find her!

Somehow, he must find her!

The next day, there was a royal announcement.  The Prince was going to visit every cottage in the kingdom, looking for the young woman whose foot would fit the glass slipper that had been left behind, and who had the other glass slipper.  

As he visited one cottage after another, eager young women tried to squeeze their feet into the glass slipper.  Of course, the Prince could tell right away they were not the same young woman and the one he had met at the ball. But as a gentleman and a Prince, he gave each one a chance.  At last each would give up, and he would move on to the next cottage.

At Cinderella’s house, her stepmother and stepsisters were waiting for the Prince with great excitement.  Each stepsister was sure she would be the one to get her foot into the glass slipper. After all, wasn’t her dance with the Prince the best one he had that night?  Wasn't he really looking for her?

Each stepsister was sure she would be the one to get her foot into the glass slipper.

The stepmother noticed Cinderella.  “You must not be here when the Prince comes!” she said sharply.  "Go to your room, at once!"  

In a low voice she said, “Fine with me!” thinking of the Prince who could talk of nothing but himself.

“And do not come out until I tell you to.”

“Fine!” said Cinderella. She went up to her attic room and shut the door.

Before long, the Prince arrived at the cottage of Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters.  Each stepsister tried to fit her foot into the glass slipper with all their might, but their feet just could not fit. Both were discouraged and sat there in quiet disappointment.  Even the stepmother had nothing to say.  It was so quiet, in fact, that Cinderella thought the Prince must be gone by now.  She came down the stairs from her attic room.

“Oh!” she said, surprised to see the Prince still there.  

“Oh!" she said, surprised to see the Prince still there.

He looked up. Strange - he did not carry himself in the way as the Prince she danced with at the ball.  And he did not look like the Prince, either.  At once, the true Princess recognized her - she may be dressed in rags, but he knew at once it was she, the very same woman he had danced with at the ball!

Remembering what she had said when she had returned his silver tray, the Prince now said to Cinderella, “Excuse me. Could this be what you’re looking for?”  He smiled warmly.

Cinderella took a step back, astonished.  Why, now there was no doubt!  This Prince standing before her was the same servant she had danced with at the ball! Why was he now dressed as the Prince?  Yet remembering what he had said when she returned his tray, Cinderella now bowed and said, “Thank you.  I was looking everywhere for it. I can’t tell you how glad I am that you brought it to me.”

I am sure you can guess what happened next.  Cinderella’s foot fit the glass slipper perfectly.  The Stepmother and Stepsisters were astonished.  Even more so, when Cinderella took out of her pocket the other glass slipper.  Cinderella and the Prince took each other’s hands and looked into each other's eyes.  They knew what would happen and so do you - the two of them were wed and lived happily ever after.  

Discussion Questions: 

Question 1: Why did Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her?

Questions 2: Why did Cinderella think she should go to the ball?

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12 Comments

I LOVE this story but the stepsisters are mean.

good story, I’m from Turkey.

I have read this story many times but this was something new.

The best story ever I like this version.

1. The story’s trying to show us that having courage and believing in oneself even in times of adversity can pay off in the end. 2. Since the original version of Cinderella was written by Charles Perrault and took place in the 17th century in France, if she ever told her father about her stepmother’s abuse, her father would’ve scolded her, for her stepmother ruled him entirely.

Good story and answers for the questions are: 1.because she thought that if they’re gonna say mean stuff doesn’t mean she has to say it back. 2. The ball was for every woman in the kingdom so that’s why she thought she should go.

This was an amazing story and the pictures were magnificent, I loved the story and how you portrayed it!! Looking forward to reading more of your stories!!!!!!

What a wonderful story

Ba humbug I read this to my sister so she would go to sleep and she’s 8!!!!!! I’m frickin 10…

Question 1: Why did Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her? Her father passed on and she had no where else to go.

Questions 2: Why did Cinderella think she should go to the ball? She thought that the ball could be just what she’s been waiting for, i.e. to move out of the house.

Because she knew that she shouldn’t be rude or mean to her step sisters.

Because it wasn’t fair that her step sisters got to go but not her even if she is a maid.

It’s a good book and I’m in the 5th grade

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Free Bedtime Stories & Short Stories for Kids

Cinderella short story.

This is the Cinderella short story . Once upon a time, there was a simple and beautiful girl named Cinderella . She lived with her evil stepmother and two stepsisters. The stepmother did not like her and made her do all the household work. Her stepsisters just never had to work, they just roamed around the house in their fancy dresses. They always made fun of Cinderella because of her plain dressing.

One day, a letter from the king came to their house which said that the king is having a ball tonight and his son ‘The Prince’ would be choosing a wife; every girl in the kingdom must be aware. Everyone got excited about reading this, Cinderella too wanted to go to the ball. Her stepmother told her that she can go if she completes all her work on time and also helps her stepsisters with their dresses for the ball. Cinderella worked as fast as she could to get everything done but there was always something left. At last, she was left at home disappointed.

cinderella short story

She was so sad that she ran to the garden and said, “wishes never come true”. “Never my dear?” said a voice, as Cinderella looked up a little woman with a wand and a kind smile stood in front of her. She was her fairy godmother.

She wanted to help Cinderella go to the ball. With a wave of her hand, she made Cinderella look like a princess. She gave her a beautiful new gown, glass slippers, and shiny black horses to reach the ball.  Before leaving, the fairy godmother said “this magic will only last until midnight! You must reach back home by then!”.

When Cinderella entered the palace, everybody was awestruck by her beauty, she was the prettiest girl at the ball. Even her stepsisters didn’t recognize her. The handsome prince also saw her and fell in love with her. All the other girls were very jealous of her because the prince danced with her the whole night. She enjoyed herself so much that she almost forgot what the fairy godmother had told her about her magic. However, when she saw the time and remembered the godmother’s words she quickly left the palace and ran away.  In all the hurry, one glass slipper which she was wearing was left on the castle steps.

The prince had fallen in love with her and wanted to find out who she was as he wanted to marry her. The next day, he ordered his king’s men to go to every house in the land and find the girl whose foot fits in the glass slipper. When they reached Cinderella’s house, the two stepsisters tried their best to squeeze their big feet into the slippers, but they could not make it. Finally, when Cinderella tried the slipper, her foot fit perfectly into the glass slipper. The prince recognized her from the ball night. He married Cinderella soon in a grand ceremony and they lived happily ever after.

Cinderella Short Story Video

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Story Of Cinderella With Moral For Kids

Origin And History Of The Story Of Cinderella

Story type of the cinderella story, story characters, story of cinderella for children, story summary, moral of the story, how can children apply the moral lesson of the story in their real life.

Cinderella’s story is a timeless tale and is one of the most loved fairy tales the world has known till now. It is one classic narration that establishes the supremacy of love, empathy, kindness, and simplicity over cunningness, selfishness, and greed with a touch of magic. This classic piece makes us believe in those things that otherwise look impossible to us. In the face of abuse and misery, Cinderella stood firm on her ground and remained humble and kind to everyone, and most importantly, she never stopped dreaming. Hence, destiny rewarded her in the end, and she got what she deserved- a life full of appreciation and love. Make your kid read the full story of Cinderella in English  and see them explore a world unknown with a great message in their own innocent way.

The earliest mention of this tale is found in the recorded tales by Strabo, a Greek historian who closely followed the story of Rhodopis, a Greco-Egyptian girl, between 7 BC and 23 CE. The most prominent written version is that of a French author named Charles Perrault and is found in his 1697 collection, “Histoires ou contes du temps passé” (Tales of Mother Goose). His version added the three most iconic elements to the tale: a carriage made of pumpkin, glass shoes, and a fairy godmother. This story has had various oral versions across several cultures for generations.

It is a fairytale with an underlined moral. You can read this  story with pictures during your kid’s bedtime. 

Various characters make this story a beautiful read. Some notable characters are mentioned below.

• Cinderella:  A beautiful girl who was ill-treated by her stepmother and two step sisters. She is the protagonist, and in the end, she gets rewarded for her kindness and patience in the form of a good life with the prince.
• Stepmother:  She is the second wife of Cinderella’s father and a very cunning lady who mistreats her stepdaughter.
• Two Stepsisters:  They are the biological daughters of Cinderella’s stepmother. They are very selfish and misbehave with Cinderella whenever they get a chance.
• A Fairy Godmother:  She appeared when she saw Cinderella sad as she was not allowed to attend the prince ball for the maidens. She provided magical glass shoes, a dress, and a pumpkin carriage for Cinderella to participate in the ball. She was the one who instructed Cinderella to be back on time.
• Prince:  He is the hero of the story. He falls in love with Cinderella, sees her at the ball and later finds her with the help of her left-behind glass slipper.

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl named Cinderella. She used to live with her stepmother, stepsisters, and her father. Her father used to stay out of the town on business, and her own mother died long ago. The behaviour of the stepmother and stepsisters towards Cinderella was very mean and self-centred, and they used to make her do all the household chores, like cleaning the house, cooking, ironing clothes, etc.

Stepmother used to boss her and give her orders all the time, “why are you sitting, Cinderella? Who will make the preparations for the dinner? You need to clean my room also after that.”

Even stepsisters used to make her do their work too, and they used to create unnecessary complaints about Cinderella to their mother so that she would ask her to do extra work.

“She needs to arrange our room’s bedding, Mumma, and she has not put laces to my new dress also,” said one of the stepsisters.

However, Cinderella, being a kind-hearted girl, never replied back and kept doing all the work in silence. Days passed and turned into years, but her miseries never ended.

One day, everyone in the town got an invitation from the palace for the royal ball. The king and queen wanted their son to choose his wife and future queen; therefore, everyone was invited. The invitation read like, ” The king and queen request the honour of your presence at the Royal Ball. The king wants to choose the bride for the prince, and the future king. Be there with your family to have a gala time.”

The letter reached Cinderella’s house too. Cinderella’s stepmother instantly ordered Cinderella to design beautiful ball gowns for her and her daughters.

Cinderella thought in her mind, “I will make beautiful gowns for everyone. I hope mama will take me along too.”

But, on the final day, the stepmother and stepsisters gave her more household work to complete and at last left her home, citing her incompetence in finishing the work on time as the reason.

“We are getting late, Cinderella. You cannot do one work on time. Right now, you cannot come with us as there is so much left to do,” said the stepmother.

Her stepsisters also secretly tore her dress to add to her agony.

Left alone in the house, sad Cinderella cried and said, seeing the sky, “Dreams never come true, never.”

At the same time, a fairy appeared before her and said, “Don’t be afraid, my child; I am your fairy godmother. I know you want to join others at the royal ball, and I can make it happen, my dear.”

She waved her magic wand and converted Cinderella’s torn dress into a beautiful gown. She transformed a nearby pumpkin into a colossal coach and turned six rats into four horses to pull the coach and the driving coachmen. She also gave her a beautiful pair of glass slippers matching her dress. Now, Cinderella was all set to join the others.

Cinderella was so thankful and said,” thank you fairy godmother. Now, I can join my sisters and enjoy the ball.”

But before she left, the fairy godmother gave her one warning, “My dear, you need to be back before midnight because my magic won’t work after that. You will be back in your original look.”

Cinderella nodded yes and left for the ball to join the others.

At the party, everyone was stunned to see Cinderella, as she was the most beautiful girl at the ball. The prince fell in love the moment he laid eyes on her. He instantly came and asked her to dance with him.

He said, “I have not seen anyone more beautiful than you. Will you care for a dance with me.”

It was like a dream come true for Cinderella. She said yes instantly.

All the girls, including her stepsisters, were jealous of her. The prince and Cinderella conversed and danced the entire night until she realised the clock was reaching midnight. She rushed back home, leaving the prince in dismay. The prince ran after her but in vain. As she was rushing back, one of her glass slippers dropped on the stairs of the palace.

The next day, the prince decided to search the entire kingdom for the girl who would fit the glass slipper as he wanted to marry that girl.

“Search every house and find me the girl whose foot will fit inside this slipper, as she would be my bride for life,” said the prince.

The soldiers searched all the houses one by one but in vain. At last, they knocked on Cinderella’s house. They asked the stepsisters and Cinderella to wear the shoes one by one. The evil stepsisters tried hard to squeeze their feet inside the slipper but were useless. Then it was Cinderella’s chance to try the shoe, which was the perfect fit. The prince was called and immediately recognised Cinderella from the ball night.

Prince said, ” I was looking for you everywhere. Why did you leave me like this? Now, I will not let you go. Will you marry me?”

Ecstatic Cinderella said yes instantly. Later, they got married in a grand ceremony and lived happily ever after.

Given below is the  summary of the story of Cinderella.

The story revolves around a beautiful and kind-hearted girl named Cinderella, who lived with her stepmother, stepsisters, and father. Her own mother died a long ago. Her father used to stay out of the house due to work. Her stepmother and stepsisters used to ill-treat her and make her do all the house chores. One day, the prince invited all the unmarried girls to a ball in his palace, but the stepmother and stepsisters ban Cinderella from attending the ball. She got very sad. At that time, a fairy godmother appeared and provided Cinderella with a carriage, gown, and attractive glass slippers to attend the party. She asked her to return before the clock struck midnight as all the magic would fade away by that time, excluding the glass slippers. Cinderella reached the ball and mesmerised everyone with her beauty, including the prince. He danced with her all night. But, as planned, she rushed back home before midnight and accidentally left one of her slippers near the palace stairs. The prince found the slipper and searched the kingdom to find the girl whose foot would fit in the slipper. At last, he found Cinderella, and they lived happily ever after.

One of the significant lessons or morals that you can learn from the story is that “kindness is always rewarded in the end in one form or the other,” and any kind of abuse or cunningness falls flat on its face one day. Cinderella never left her good and forgiving nature and finally got what she deserved- A blissful life.

Another lesson this fairytale has is don’t stop chasing your dreams, even if the whole world is against you. Have trust, and you will get what you deserve at the end of the day.

Kids can learn to be optimistic and patient by reading this  short story . Even in the face of bad behaviour, Cinderella remained true to her nature and patiently tackled everything. In the end, it all went well for her. Similarly, if kids patiently wait out unfavourable conditions, they will emerge victorious in all situations.

Stories like Cinderella make an exciting read and allow kids to explore a world of magic, dreams, and possibilities. So give them this beautiful story to read and see them drift away in their land of imagination and anticipations.

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“Scrub the floors,” one would order.

“When you’re done, clean these dishes,” the other would say.

“Hurry up!” they yelled together.

Cinderella scrubbed, cleaned, and ironed while her stepmother and stepsisters spent their days preening in front of the mirror.

After Cinderella had spent all day cleaning and ironing, she would spend the evening alone in front of the warm fire. This was her favorite part of the day. She dreamed of what her life would be like if she were a princess.

“My tea is a little too warm,” one stepsister said.

“My tea is a little too cool,” the other would say.

After they were done eating their breakfast, the stepsisters would sit in front of the mirror and argue about who was more beautiful. Cinderella would spend the rest of the day sewing and ironing. But her heart was so pure, she did not even mind. It gave her time to dream about the handsome prince.

Cinderella’s stepmother hoped that one of her daughters would someday marry the prince. Once they saw the prince in the royal parade. The stepsisters were sure he smiled at them.

“He looked at me,” the short one said happily.

“He looked at me,” the tall one said.

“You are both beautiful,” their mother said to them. They all agreed. Cinderella secretly thought the prince smiled at her.

One day, something very exciting arrived. It was an invitation to the prince’s fancy ball! “You, my darling daughters, are going to the prince’s ball!” Cinderella’s stepmother exclaimed.

“What will I wear?” one stepsister cried.

“I hope I can dance with the prince,” the other said dreamily.

“Cinderella, hem my favorite pink dress,” one yelled.

“Cinderella, get my favorite blue shoes,” the other yelled.

Cinderella sewed and ironed for days. But she was not allowed to go to the ball herself. She was only a servant. Besides, she did not have a ball gown.

Below is the second part of “Cinderella.”

Finally, the night of the ball arrived. As Cinderella helped her younger stepsister into her gown, the cruel girl asked, “Cinderella, why don’t you come with us to the ball and dance with the prince?”

The stepmother and her daughters laughed at the thought of dirty, barefoot Cinderella dancing with the handsome prince. “No, she can’t come,” the stepmother said. “She has to sweep the hearth.” Cinderella held back her tears.

“Don’t forget to scrub the floor,” the stepmother said.

“Clean the dishes,” the younger stepsister said.

“And fluff my pillow,” the other one said.

As the stepmother and her daughters climbed into their coach and rode off to the ball, Cinderella began to cry. Cinderella never complained, but the day of the fancy ball was too disappointing for her to bear.

“Why must I stay at home and sweep up the hearth while everyone else goes to the ball? Am I not as good and kind as everyone else?” cried Cinderella to herself.

She wanted to wear a fancy dress with pretty ribbons and bows. Most of all, she wanted to catch another glimpse of the handsome prince. Maybe he would ask her to dance with him!

“What is wrong, dear Cinderella?” asked the fairy ­godmother. Even though she had secretly watched over Cinderella’s hard life, this was the first time she had ever seen the girl cry.

Cinderella wiped away her tears and said, “I’m sorry to cry. But I just wanted to go to the ball. I’ve never even worn a fancy dress, or danced, or been to the castle. I guess I’m just being silly.”

“You have always been good and kind,” the fairy godmother said sweetly. “And tonight you shall go to the prince’s ball.”

Cinderella’s heart was so happy she thought it was going to burst. Then she was sad again. “I have no coach to take me there,” Cinderella said, beginning to cry again.

“Oh, dear,” the fairy godmother said. She thought for a moment, then clapped her hands. “I can turn that pumpkin into a coach.” With a wave of her sparkly wand, she turned the hollow orange pumpkin into a coach decorated with gold and velvet.

“But who will drive the coach?” Cinderella asked.

Just then, a family of six white mice wandered through the garden. Poof! They were suddenly strong white horses. The fairy godmother looked around the garden for a driver. She spied a plump rat nibbling on a bit of cheese under a flower. Poof! The rat was suddenly a handsome driver.

“Now, sweet girl, you can go to the ball!” said the fairy godmother proudly.

“But my clothes,” whispered Cinderella. “I cannot go to the fancy ball in dirty rags!”

“Just beautiful,” said the fairy godmother. “Now for the most important part,

your shoes!” With another wave of the wand, delicate glass slippers suddenly appeared on Cinderella’s bare feet.

“Oh, thank you, fairy godmother!” cried Cinderella. “This will be the most

wonderful night of my life!”

With the help of her handsome footman, Cinderella stepped into the magical pumpkin coach. A shiver of excitement ran through her.

Just as the coach was about to pull away, Cinderella’s fairy godmother called to her. “You must be home before the stroke of midnight, Cinderella,” she warned. “At midnight, the coach will turn back into a pumpkin, the horses into mice, the driver into a rat. You must not be late!”

“I won’t be late, fairy godmother. Thank you!” Cinderella waved out the window of her coach, pretending to be a real princess. The fairy godmother watched as Cinderella disappeared down the road. “I hope she meets her prince tonight,” the fairy godmother said to herself.

The whole way to the castle, Cinderella’s heart pounded with anticipation. When the coach arrived at the castle, Cinderella took a deep breath and waited for her driver to open the door for her.

Cinderella stepped out of her coach and gracefully climbed the stairs to the palace. She was so nervous, her knees were shaking.

When she appeared in the doorway of the ballroom, everyone turned to stare at her. Cinderella was far more beautiful than any of the princesses, duchesses, and noble ladies in attendance. The other guests hushed as Cinderella walked down the staircase.

The prince was busy greeting his guests when he looked up to see Cinderella. He took one look at her and suddenly his heart began to race. He fell in love with the beautiful girl. All he could think about was dancing with the mysterious lady.

Everyone at the ball fell in love with Cinderella, too. Aside from being lovely, Cinderella was also charming and sweet. As the prince and Cinderella danced, all the people smiled and watched. No one recognized her, not even her stepsisters and stepmother.

The prince asked Cinderella to dance every dance. As they glided across the dance floor, Cinderella discovered that not only was the prince very handsome, but he was also very kind.

Cinderella was so happy, she forgot the time. The clock sounded the ninth stroke of midnight when Cinderella remembered the promise she had made to her fairy godmother. On the tenth stroke, Cinderella dashed out of the ballroom without ­another word to the prince, leaving him and the rest of the guests astonished!

On the eleventh stroke, she flew down the palace steps in such a hurry that she left one of her glass slippers behind.

On the twelfth stroke, Cinderella’s dress was transformed back into tattered rags. She ran as fast as she could from the palace so that no one would recognize her.

The prince ran after Cinderella, but it was too late. She was already gone. He wanted to call out to her, but he realized that she had never told him her name! The prince spied the glass slipper on the palace steps. It must belong to her, he thought. He vowed to find the slipper’s mysterious owner.

Cinderella ran all the way home dressed in her rags. Her coach had turned back into a pumpkin, and the mice and the rat had all run away. All she had left of her beautiful evening at the ball was the other glass slipper.

The next day, everyone in the land could talk of nothing but the ball and the beautiful stranger who had stolen the prince’s heart. The prince was

determined to find the girl he loved. He could not sleep or eat. He only dreamed of her.

This tiny glass slipper is all that I have, he thought. I must use it to try to find her. That very day he began to search all over the land, trying to find the maiden who could wear the delicate glass slipper.

Finally, Cinderella heard a tap, tap, tap at her door. “It’s the prince!” her older stepsister said gleefully. “Cinderella, he won’t want to see you.”

“Oh, how is my hair?” the other one wanted to know. Cinderella heard another tap, tap, tap at the door.

“Open the door, Mother! Open the door,” the older one said.

“He’s going to want to marry me,” the younger one whispered.

“No, me,” the other hissed.

Cinderella knew the slipper belonged to her. The stepsisters both tried to fit their large feet into the slipper. They pulled and tugged and pushed, but it was plain to see that their feet were just too big.

Cinderella had been watching from another room. She asked softly, “May I please try?” Her stepmother and stepsisters laughed and told her not to waste the prince’s precious time.

The prince knelt and held out the glass slipper for Cinderella. Her foot slipped into it with ease! Cinderella pulled the other glass slipper from her apron pocket and put it on, too.

“It fits!” shrieked the stepmother.

“It fits!” howled the stepsisters.

“There must be a mistake,” the older stepsister cried.

“Mother, tell the prince he cannot marry Cinderella!” the other one sobbed.

“Please, Prince,” the stepmother begged. “Let my daughters try on the shoe again. Perhaps this time it will fit.”

The prince could not take his eyes off Cinderella. “I believe I have found my princess,” he said. Then he suddenly fell to one knee. “My dear Cinderella,” he said. “Will you please marry me?”

“Yes!” Cinderella cried. With that, her stepmother fainted. The prince took Cinderella’s hand and escorted her to his royal carriage. Suddenly, six gray mice and a fat rat climbed on top of the carriage.

“What are they doing?” the prince wanted to know.

“They are my friends,” Cinderella said joyously.

“Then they too shall be royalty,” the prince said. He was so overcome with love and joy that he married Cinderella that very day! They lived happily ever after.

As for her stepmother and stepsisters, they too lived a long and happy life. Cinderella did not punish them. But they did have to learn how to do their own cooking, cleaning, and ironing. And that was punishment enough.

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Francis Aparici

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"Our first sight was the beginning of our forever." — Unknown

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