Cinderella

Cinderella is an only child - daughter. Once again, this gives her special abilities, knowledge, etc. For example, Cinderella knows about the hazel tree, the white bird, even the lines of poetry (couplets).

In the Disney version, there is a fairy godmother. Is there a fairy godmother in this version? Think about that for a moment. The fairy godmother helps Cinderella in Disney (with mice helping on the side). Who helps Cinderella in this version? Primarily, it is the hazel tree and the white bird. Secondarily, it is the pigeons, turtledoves, and other other birds.

What about the evil stepmother? She is the great nemesis (enemy) in the story. She is the main antagonist in the story. Indeed, in an earlier Grimm version, it is the mother who is the evil antagonist. The evil step-sisters serve as contrast (foils) to Cinderella -- the step-sisters make Cinderella's pious nature stand out even more.

Just as in Beauty and the Beast, it is the prince who seeks and finds Cinderella. Notice that, in this version, the prince only goes to Cinderella's house. Notice, too, all the details that the narrator mentions while in the house.

Where is the turning point in the story? Note that neither the stepmother nor the step-sisters recognize Cinderella at the ball (in the Disney version, the stepmother is suspicious and locks Cinderella up in her room). Then, just as Cinderella puts the shoe on, the prince immediately recoginizes Cinderella. So does everybody else.

However, we the audience always know.