Miranda Mitchell

Childrens Literature
Dr. Burke
October 23, 2014
Fairy Tale Exploration- Charles Perraults Cinderella
A fairy tale is a fictional story that may feature folkloric characters (such as fairies, goblins,
elves, trolls, witches, giants, and talking animals) and enchantments, often involving a farfetched sequence of events. Fairy Tales have a unique ending know as a "fairy tale ending" (a
happy ending) or "fairy tale romance," though not all fairy tales end happily. Fairy tales are a
genre in literature and they are told through oral tradition. Fairy tales with very similar plots,
characters, and motifs are found spread across many different cultures. Fairy tales also tend to
have patterns and morals.
Perraults version of this tale is quite unique because this is the only one where a godmother
transforms a pumpkin into a coach, mice into horses, and lizards into lackeys. Also this is the
only version that contains a glass slipper, which is a very important component to this story.
1.

Pose at least six worthwhile questions about the tale you have chosen.
a. Why was the ball so special for Cinderella?
b. What was the importance of the glass slipper?
c. What other morals could be learned other than the ones shared at the end of the
story? Do you agree with all of the morals the book addresses?
d. Why does the Godmother choose Cinderella?
e. What importance did the time that she had to leave the ball play in the story?

f. What difference would it have made in the story if Prince Charming and
Cinderellas roles were reversed?
2. Identify at least two patterns that you find in the tale.
a. The pattern magic and or enchantments; in this story that would have been the
Godmother.
i. The Godmother is important because without her Cinderella would not
have gone to the Ball. She would not have gotten to experience royalty for
a change and find her true love.
b. The pattern of an evil character, in this case that would be the step mother and her
two daughters.
i. This shows that there is always going to be a little evil in life. Not
everything is easy and not everyone is nice.
c. Poverty is a pattern in a sense since Cinderella is treated like a maid.
i. Poverty exists. No everyone can afford to buy luxury items. I think this
pattern is important because it also shows that good things come to good
people and not all good people are wealthy. Being wealthy doesnt make
you a good or bad person, its how you let the amount of money you have
affect the person you are.

3. Poverty and Magic connect because the Godmother helps Cinderella due to the lack of
enjoyment she has had in her life because of being in poverty. Cinderella has never been
able to enjoy royalty or go to fancy events because she is not worthy. She has been
viewed as a maid of her stepmothers. The Godmother uses her magic to turn Cinderella
into a woman that would be accepted at such an event as the Ball. In many fairy tales, the
character that is in the most need or seems to be in poverty ends up being rewarded.
Magic is usually used in these circumstances as well.