A Motivational Study of "Cinderella"

 

 

Psychoanalyze: Cinderella: There was once a girl named Ella who was so gentle and beautiful that everyone who knew her loved her, except those who should have loved her best, and those were her stepmother and her stepsisters.

Her own mother had died while she was quite young, and then her father had married again. This new wife had two daughters of her own, and she wished them to have everything and Ella to have nothing. The stepmother dressed her own children in fine clothes, and they sat about and did nothing all day, but Cinderella worked in the[329] kitchen and had nothing but rags to wear, and because she often sat close to the ashes to warm herself her sisters called her Cinderella.

Now the King and Queen of that country had only one son, and they were very anxious for him to marry, but he had never seen anyone whom he wished to have for a bride. At last they determined to give a great ball, and to ask to it all the fairest ladies in the land. They hoped that among them all the Prince might see someone whom he would choose. All the grand people of the city were invited, and Cinderella’s stepmother and her stepsisters were asked with all the rest.

Psychoanalysis of the Cinderella Text Excerpt:

Loss and the Divided Self:

    The story opens with a stark contrast: Ella, kind and beautiful, versus the stepmother and stepsisters. This suggests a division within Ella herself. The kind and beautiful side represents her ideal self, while the mistreated and ragged Cinderella represents her present reality.
    The death of Ella's biological mother can be seen as a symbolic loss of her nurturing environment. The new stepmother represents a harsh and unloving figure, creating a sense of abandonment and longing for the lost love.

Power Dynamics and Family Roles:

    The stepmother and stepsisters represent dominant and controlling figures. Their desire for Ella to have "nothing" suggests a need to suppress her potential and keep her in a subservient role.
    Cinderella's relegation to kitchen work and rags signifies a denial of her true worth and potential. This could represent a child feeling trapped in a role that doesn't allow them to express themselves fully.

Yearning for Recognition and Escape:

    The ball represents a world of glamour and possibility, a stark contrast to Ella's reality. It symbolizes her desire for recognition and escape from her oppressive situation.
    The prince, though unseen, embodies the hope of rescue and a chance at a happier life. This could represent a longing for a positive external force to change her circumstances.

Themes to Consider:

    The story explores themes of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite her circumstances, Ella maintains her kindness and beauty.

    It also touches on the importance of self-worth. Even though she's treated poorly, Ella maintains a sense of inner strength.

Additional Points:

    The use of names is interesting. "Ella" is a simple and familiar name, while "Cinderella" is imposed by her stepsisters, highlighting the loss of her true identity.

    The story doesn't delve into Ella's emotional response to her situation. However, the desire to attend the ball suggests a yearning for connection and a better life.