A Marxist View on Cinderella
Essay by vickykravtchenko • December 5, 2013 • Essay • 508 Words (3 Pages) • 2,089 Views
Every little girl dreams of becoming a princess like Cinderella. In the story Cinderella by Disney, a girl of low class overcomes the bourgeoisie and gains supremacy and influence over others. It is evident throughout the text that Cinderella's rebellious nature as well as 'fate' being on the proletariat's side allows her to overcome the bourgeoisie in the end; thus making the story responsible.
Cinderella's rebellious actions against the bourgeoisie contribute to her success. Cinderella fantasizes about going to the ball, but her step mother demands that she clean the entire house, "[a] girl like you is unfit to attend the ball, the chores best be finished when we get back" (Cinderella, 9). Her step-sisters are similarly in favour of beautiful Cinderella not attending the party, "[w]hen Cinderella's step sisters got the invitation, they got very nervous" (Cinderella, 8), they want all of the Prince's attention for themselves. When Cinderella is given the opportunity to attend the ball, she immediately shirks her duties and begins travelling to the event. Cinderella goes against the expectations of the bourgeoisie and creates her own path, even though it is risky to disobey someone with greater power. Her step-sisters have great desire to attain Prince Charming's heart. When Cinderella first sees the handsome Prince there is an instant connection, crushing her step-sister's dreams and ensuring her success. Cinderella defies her step-family and achieves victory by marrying the prince, ultimately getting her revenge.
Fate is on the side of the proletariat, thus promoting interest of the working class. Cinderella is circumscribed by her family and forced to clean, fortunately the animals residing in her house help her with her work; it is clear that fate is on her side (Cinderella, 3). The animals supporting Cinderella symbolize the proletariats' importance. The creatures help her achieve a more tolerable life and give her the strength to challenge the bourgeoisie. Although Cinderella intends on going to the ball, she needs a miracle to find a striking dress to wear. Advantageous to Cinderella's desires, the fairy god-mother appears before Cinderella and says, "I could grant you one wish" (Cinderella, 14). The unexpected magic act makes it evident that Cinderella's fate was the key to her happiness and her overcoming the bourgeoisie. Cinderella loses track of time while enjoying her evening at the ball, she is forced to exit without saying goodbye to Prince Charming. "Cinderella leapt into the coach as one glass slipper dropped onto the ground "(Cinderella, 29). It is apparent that the fallen slipper was her fate; bringing the prince to her and leading her to her true contentment and her conquering of the bourgeoisie. Cinderella pulls herself from the ashes in her fireplace to the golden
...
...