Fairytales adopt extreme, unrealistic measures to mesmerize readers while also conveying a life lesson to its readers-typically children. These exaggerated stories are intended to instill a clear distinction between right and wrong and to spark a high sense of morality in children. However, beliefs and standards are obscure. In Lin Lan’s Cinderella, virtue is portrayed as a characteristic to be rewarded, but in reality immaturity is awarded at the end. The story opens with the introduction of two sisters: Beauty and Pock Face. Beauty longs to attend the theater with her stepmother and stepsister, so her mother makes her a proposition. She must complete a difficult task in order partake in the next trip to the theater. However, the exhausting
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As well as honesty when it is in her best interest to lie. When Beauty’s stepmother gives her the absurd task of straightening the hemp, Beauty sheds some tears, but eventually completes the task(127). Rather than disdainfully addressing her mother about the trip to the theater, she politely asks(128). In exchange for her pleasantries, Beauty is awarded more work under pretenses. However, she still remains optimistic and works on the next exhausting task that she is given. The yellow cow- who gives the impression of being a mother figure to Beauty- even calls her a “stupid girl” (128) when she has trouble sorting the sesame seeds and the beans. Again, she endures the disparaging comment and treated the cow with high regard even though the lowly, bovine animal is inferior to even a servant like Beauty. Ultimately, Beauty’s morality is challenged. Her skeptical stepmother questions her ability to finish these tasks and asks Beauty, who “had to admit that the yellow cow had advised her”(128). Consequently, the enraged stepmother slaughters the cow and feasts on its remains. The benevolent Beauty stores the precious bones and refuses to eat the cow carcass(128). Interestingly, the notion to lie failed to cross her mind, which implies that she is inherently good and has a high moral standing. Therefore, it is unsurprising when the virtuous character’s actions are rewarded; however, Beauty’s righteous actions are negated by her juvenile
As well as honesty when it is in her best interest to lie. When Beauty’s stepmother gives her the absurd task of straightening the hemp, Beauty sheds some tears, but eventually completes the task(127). Rather than disdainfully addressing her mother about the trip to the theater, she politely asks(128). In exchange for her pleasantries, Beauty is awarded more work under pretenses. However, she still remains optimistic and works on the next exhausting task that she is given. The yellow cow- who gives the impression of being a mother figure to Beauty- even calls her a “stupid girl” (128) when she has trouble sorting the sesame seeds and the beans. Again, she endures the disparaging comment and treated the cow with high regard even though the lowly, bovine animal is inferior to even a servant like Beauty. Ultimately, Beauty’s morality is challenged. Her skeptical stepmother questions her ability to finish these tasks and asks Beauty, who “had to admit that the yellow cow had advised her”(128). Consequently, the enraged stepmother slaughters the cow and feasts on its remains. The benevolent Beauty stores the precious bones and refuses to eat the cow carcass(128). Interestingly, the notion to lie failed to cross her mind, which implies that she is inherently good and has a high moral standing. Therefore, it is unsurprising when the virtuous character’s actions are rewarded; however, Beauty’s righteous actions are negated by her juvenile