Conner Brosmer ACP Comp. Mr. Albonetti 02/21/18 “Cinderella: Not So Morally Superior” Critique Essay Fairy tales indicate to entertain as well as provide an underlying moral lesson to its’ readers. In the tale of Cinderella, the lesson is that if you keep a positive attitude you can overcome any obstacles and achieve your dreams. Elisabeth Panttaja uses her article, “Cinderella: Not So Morally Superior,” in order to demonstrate that Cinderella is not the moral hero she is made out to be in modern versions of the ancient fairy tale. She accredits the majority of Cinderella’s triumphs to her recently dead mother in the form of supernatural gifts and assistance rather than Cinderella’s perseverance against a cruel step-family showing how she is craftier, willing to employ powerful magic to defeat the forces arrayed against her. Her argument is somewhat successful in dismantling the moral high ground built around modern day Cinderella, but Panttaja tends to interpret information to only support her argument and does not add in any …show more content…
Thereafter, Panttaja explains in-depth about how Cinderella is not truly motherless, while describing what in the fairy tale represents Cinderella’s mother. Shortly after, Panttaja compares the mother and the stepmother of Cinderella, believing that both of the mothers have the same attitude to help their daughters achieve their goals (288). Next, Panttaja questions the morals of Cinderella by explaining magic being the theme of the fairy tale instead of the “alleged theme of romance.” In conclusion, Panttaja used multiple examples, including fairy tales and mythology, to explain how the main character, in this case Cinderella, uses power and manipulation to succeed in the goals they’re for