Critical Analysis of Cinderella Essay Example

I have read many stories throughout high school, and I have taken the time to identify what their common traits were. What similarities they shared and what differences they had, for instance. 

Now onto the actual topic I will be addressing. The question is, does Cinderella have anything to do with the readers' experience? Perhaps it is too much of a fairy tale, making it seem unrealistic? Let's find out… 

The original Cinderella is a fairy-tale, fiction that was written and published in 1634, it is well known and is among one of the most popular Disney stories. This particular version by Jacob and Wilhem Grimm is based on a young girl named Cinderella whose mother dies, her father then decides to get remarried, which is when everything begins to unravel. Cinderella got introduced to these new people she would be living with, her two stepsisters and her stepmother, unaware of how they would mistreat her. In the story she was being treated unfairly and seen as less worthy, “Why should that stupid goose sit in the parlor with us?” (Para. 4)  They took her beautiful clothes away from her, dressed her in an old gray smock, and gave her wooden shoes. “Just look at the proud princess! How decked out she is!” they shouted and laughed as they led her into the kitchen. (Para. 5) but despite the horrible treatment she still remained respectful and returned no evil to her step mother and sisters. 

Going back to the question I have stated earlier; I personally think the story falls into the more realistic category which is applicable in the reader response literary lens. The reason being is because after reading and reflecting on Cinderella I realized that it is the type of story that could truly be relatable to some readers along with teaching us something that makes us reflect upon many things,  including the reader's personal experiences. Based on what I've seen, Cinderella is also a character with realistic and believable characteristics. The story provides insights about resilience, because as the story progresses Cinderella starts to believe in herself and know her self-worth; she understands that she’s more than just a maid and that her treatment is not indicative of her identity.

In conclusion, The connection between the short story and the reader response literary lens do link In so many ways as I stated previously.  They really do connect, therefore, it gives the reader the chance to really relate and analyze the story through their own experiences. My discovery of the different short stories led me to realize that some of them are not so relevant to the reader's response lens. Despite Cinderella's storyline not being completely realistic, it does contain some events that could be realistic. The story provides some insights about resilience, since throughout the story Cinderella has shown some signs of resilience.