A Comparison Of Cinderella And Disney's 'Cinderella'

“Cinderella” is a childhood fairytale that we all love and admire. It tells the story of tragedy, love, and a happily ever after. If you were to ask a child what “Cinderella” was about they would most likely tell you about Disney’s version of true love and happiness. The original fairytale was told as a poem, written by Anne Sexton. In contrast to Disney, Anne Sexton puts a twist on this classic story and turns it into a dark tragedy. Her version of “Cinderella” is a retelling of the Grimms’ tale, not Disney’s. Surprisingly, the two stories are completely different. Anne Sexton is a well-known twentieth century writer who is still known for several of her poems and stories. Her poems take a look into a more personal, often feminist side of things. Often found in her poems are topics like depression, turmoil, and even death. Cinderella, as told by Sexton, involves all three of these things. Disney’s version, on the other hand, modernizes the original Grimms’ tale and turns it into a romantic, charming fairy tale.

Anne Sexton’s poem of “Cinderella” begins with several scenarios about people who go from being unfortunate and poor to being extremely lucky and wealthy later in their lives. After her mother dies, Cinderella is assigned as the housewife by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Her sisters are given many gifts and luxurious things, while Cinderella is given a small twig and nothing else from her father. Cinderella places the twig on her mothers grave and from there it grows into a magical tree. After she does this, the dove provides her with anything that she wishes for. The Prince’s ball is a three-day event and the dove provides Cinderella with all of the necessary items to attend the dance. On the final night of the d...

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...en more unrealistic. Disney’s version tells a sappy, hopeless romantic story of “Cinderella” and a “happily ever after.” The poem and the story have two completely different meanings and have good reason. Anne Sexton incorporates her thoughts on stereotypes and feminism into her poem and also puts fourth a style of writing that could be considered gruesome and dark. Disney, on the other hand, turns the dark fairytale into one that is full of magic and true love. When I think of “Cinderella,” my mind automatically thinks of the Disney interpretation. I grew up being read this and honestly never knew that there was an original one out there. After reading both versions of “Cinderella,” I can see the deeper meaning behind each. Anne Sexton tells a tale of her own life and struggles, while Disney’s tale is more for pleasure and a way to escape the reality of our world.