Cinderella Across Cultures: The Presence of Goodness
The fairy-tale story of Cinderella has been adopted by countries from all over the world. Europe, France, Germany, Vietnam, and even North America each have its own interpretation of the classic Cinderella story. Although each version naturally has its own unique differences, each story contains the moral that goodness is most desirable and will always be rewarded in the end.
The one character who is presented as good and virtuous in each interpretation of the Cinderella story is, of course, Cinderella herself (although she is called by different names, depending on the version). The interpretations of Cinderella vary; some say that Cinderella is stunningly beautiful while other versions present her as blemished and scarred. However, this does not matter as it is her character, not her beauty, which wins Cinderella a “happily-ever-after” ending.
Some versions of the Cinderella story directly state that Cinderella is a virtuous character while others are not so specific. In the European version, titled “The Cinder Maid” by Joseph Jacobs, Cinderella, known as “Cinder Maid” is not explicitly described as being a good and virtuous character. This interpretation focuses on the events of the story rather than the virtue of the characters. The narrator does disclose the fact that Cinder Maid is abused and mistreated by her family but she never retaliates in anger. This small but essential point sets Cinder Maid apart from her family as a person of goodness. This goodness is rewarded in the end as it is Cinder Maid, and not the untruthful step sisters (who cut off their toes and heels to try to fool the Prince), who gets to marry the Prince and “live happily ever afterwards.” In this version, the lesson is more hidden but the moral that the good and truthful will be rewarded in the end remains.
“The Cinder Maid” shows rather than states that Cinderella is a virtuous character, unlike the French, German, Vietnamese and North American interpretations of the story. In the French version, titled “The Little Glass Slipper,” Cinderella is described as a girl of “unparalleled goodness and sweetness of temper.” She bears the abuse of her sisters patiently and even shows them “a thousand civilities” at the ball, sharing the oranges and citrons she is given by the prince. At the end of the story, Cinderella wholeheartedly forgives her sisters and even finds two lords for them to marry. The author even spells out the moral of the story saying: “Graciousness…is priceless and of even greater value” than beauty.
Similarly, in the German version of Cinderella, written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Cinderella’s mother says to her daughter that she will help her in her time of need if Cinderella remains “pious and good.” The authors never directly say that Cinderella remains pious and good but it is obvious that Cinderella does so because her mother’s tree provides her with everything she needs to go to the ball.
In “The Indian Cinderella” version from North America, the nameless Cinderella character is described as “gentle and well beloved by all” (Macmillan). Despite her sisters horrifying abuse, the girl remains patient and gentle and continues to work gladly. The girl is rewarded with marrying Strong Wind because she, out of all the girls in her village, is truthful and has good heart, for “Strong Wind would not marry any who were untruthful” (Macmillan).
Likewise, in the Vietnamese version, Tam is abused but she bears all her suffering and pain “without complain,” displaying her noble spirit and good nature (Bach-Lan). Despite many trials, including being murdered twice, Tam lives happily ever after with the King, and the narrator is sure to mention that “she certainly deserve[s] it” (Bach-Lan). These various interpretations of the Cinderella story from around the world all focus on the goodness of its main character and show that virtue is desirable and will be rewarded.
Bach-Lan, L.T. “A Cinderella Tale from Vietnam: The Story of Tam and Cam.” Vietnamese Legends. Kim-Lai-An-Quan, 1957, pp. 43-56.
Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm. “Cinderella.” Kinder-und Hausmärchen. First edition, translated by D. L Ashliman. Realschulbuchhandlung, 1812, vol 1., no. 21, 1998.
Jacobs, Joseph. “The Cinder Maid.” Europe’s Fairy Book. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1916, pp. 1-12.
Macmillan, Cyrus. “The Indian Cinderella.” Canadian Wonder Tales. John Lane, 1920, pp. 116-119.
It's interesting that tales encouraging virtue appeal universally. Do you know if the North American and Vietnamese stories originated independently from the European fairy tale? Or did the tales come to these cultures after contact with Europeans?
That's a great question! Upon a bit of research, apparently the origins of the Cinderella story appeared in Egypt (http://www.refinery29.com/cinderella-origins)! I'm not sure how accurate the article is, but it seems that the Cinderella story was in circulation long before it made it to Europe and was adapted to the version we are most familiar with.