Cinderella and the Effects on Young Women

Essay by lineman64College, UndergraduateA, February 2009

download word file, 4 pages 5.0

Throughout the centuries fairytales have captured the hearts and minds of people of all ages, especially children. Many parents of today embrace fairytales, and do not consider the possible physical, emotional, and social effects their children may face later in life. Many lessons are acquired through the simplicity of fairytales. Subliminal messages teach children to believe in true love and good always triumphs over evil. But, is that really true? The popular fairytale, "Cinderella" has various famous versions (including the brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault versions) and is a highly touted story recommended for young children, particularly young girls.

. What essentially happens in the story is that Cinderella (beautiful-good) is treated awfully by her stepmother and two step-sisters (ugly-evil) for numerous years and in the end she is rescued by a prince (handsome-good).

The story of Cinderella is highly praised by critics due to the fact that it can be interpreted in many different ways and means various things to different people (Bettelheim 628).

Viewing this story as a young girl an individual could interpret that one who is beautiful is good and one who is ugly is evil. Children most likely don't understand why Cinderella is treated badly or why the step-mother and step-sisters have such a tight rein on her, but they know Cinderella is good and is treated badly by others who are evil. This unfortunate miscue in fairytales could possibly affect girls who are not considered the prettiest or most beautiful at school, daycare, or other places children gather. This could give a young girl a feeling that she is not good enough.

Another interpretation that is taken from the story and can be carried into adulthood is the waiting for their prince to come. Girls can ingrain that one day a young handsome prince...