Symbolism in Fairytales

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Symbolism in Fairytales

Fairytales are as ancient as communal living. However, the symbolism of fairytales is very controversial. In the case of Cinderella, I believe that it symbolizes the role of women in society and the characteristics that women should have. In Bruno Bettelheim's article "'Cinderella:' A Story of Sibling Rivalry and Oedipal Conflicts," he depicts the fairytale as a case of sibling rivalry. Feminist Madonna Kolbenschlag, says in her article "A Feminist View of `Cinderella,'" that the fairytale represents women's role in society. Karol Kelley's article "A Modern Cinderella," also claims that the fairytale describes the women's role in society and their characteristics. The topics discussed by the authors are the importance of Cinderella's gender, the meaning of Cinderella's work, the significance of the ashes, Cinderella's transcending her work on the helpful animals, the values of Cinderella that are rewarded, and the idea of goodness.

Firstly, the importance of Cinderella's gender, I believe, is to engrain in the minds of young girls, the traditional role of women. Women are expected to do housework while men are to hold the superior and better paying jobs. Women are also dependent on men for security and a sense of identity (Kelley 89). Cinderella is a model for women (Kolbenschlag 525). Cinderella runs away from the party, which symbolizes the "old conduct manuals", that women are not to have excursions or ambitions (527). Bettelheim believes that gender is not the issue, but simply the work she is forced to do is a symbol of debasement in comparison to her stepsisters (568). In my opinion, most people couldn't relate to the story of Cinderella if Cinderella was a male due to the traditional female r...

... middle of paper ...

...out complaint, and does not pursue the Prince. The story of Cinderella symbolizes the gender expectations of society; women should posses certain qualities and virtues, and they should stay at home to do housework. Men should hold the jobs, care for the women, and give them identity.

Works Cited

Bettelheim, Bruno. "'Cinderella:' A Story of Sibling Rivalry and Oedipal Conflicts."

Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. 8th edition. Ed. Laurence Behrens and Leonard F. Rosen. Santa Barbara: Longman, 2003. 567-74.

Kelley, Karol. "A Modern Cinderella." Journal of American Culture vol. 17. (Spring 94):

87-92. EBSCOhost. Online. Cinderella. 6 Nov. 2002.

Kolbenschlag, Madonna. "A Feminist view of Cinderella." Writing and Reading Across

the Curriculum. 6th edition. Ed. Laurence Behrens and Leonard F. Rosen. Santa Barbara: Longman, 2000. 522-28.

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