Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Disney Heroines: Glass Slippers

I guess I’m going in chronological order with Disney’s heroines, because the second is Cinderella.

The movie was the second of Walt Disney’s full length fairytale Animations and was released in 1950. Right in the middle of Disney’s “Golden Age” animations of the 1930’s and the 1940’s and the (though I’m not sure why) less critically acclaimed productions of the 1950’s; making it representative of both eras. (Which can be seen in the cell animation style.)


Cinderella (Cinderella):
1.      Hard work is always a part of life: Know the true value of hark work.
2.      Don’t be afraid to dream.
3.      Kindness is always a good idea.
4.      Be polite: Kindness should be displayed throughout the entirety of your actions.
5.      Love, help, and forgive those who criticize, mock, and despitefully use you.
6.      Forgetfulness is something we all regretfully have: It’s just part of who we are.
7.      We are all equal.
8.      Being home by curfew never hurts.

Cinderella’s story seems to be one everyone wants to hear or tell. And, quite frankly, I’m not surprised. The mere plotline (rags to riches) is one that we would love to have happen to us.

But, as with most of the princesses on this list, some believe that she teaches faulty lessons. One lesson in particular I find aversion to is that she was only saved from her step-mother’s horrible household for one reason (and one reason only), her clothes and beauty were the only reason the prince fell in love with her: And thus, one’s outward appearance is the only way to win someone’s heart.

Though the prince’s first inclination (from afar) of her was that she wasn’t like the other girls at the ball (beautiful gown and appearance), we forget that she was shy. And what girl wouldn’t be in a situation such as hers?

She was hesitant when she arrived (understandable, since according to her step-mother she wasn’t supposed to be there), when he acted on his first impression to run to her (again understandable, considering he was the prince), and when they first started to dance (once again understandable, seeing that he was the prince): But as time went on her nervousness melted away. She became more confident in who she was, and in her feelings for the prince: Which showed in her actions, revealing her personality.

This is another thing about her that captivated him; leading him to run after her when the clock struck twelve. Curiosity is the spark to passion.

Everything considered, Cinderella’s shoes were extraordinary and she achieved her dream of love and a better life; but the glass slippers weren’t the reason the prince went in search of her. Her personality was her most attractive accessory: And that’s a fact.

1 comment:

  1. Hallelujah and Amen! Cinderella is probably the most guileless of the Disney princesses, and that's why I like her.

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