Aschenputtel's Secrets

5 Pages 1212 Words

“Aschenputtel’s” Secrets
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s version of “Cinderella”, “Aschenputtel” is rich with psychological, religious, and philosophical ideas. The Grimm brothers tell a seemingly simple tale of the hardships of a young girl without her mother having to face the cruelty of her new blended family. However, when read by a more mature audience the juvenile fantasy tale turns into something much more. “Aschenputtel” provides simple entertainment and a simple moral for the young reader. At an immature glance the fairy tale seems to preach to children to turn the other cheek when faced with adversity. With a deeper look it can be seen as a vastly more complex work. The many psychological, religious, and philosophical ideas inlaid by the Grimm brothers make for a much more adult story. Psychology, religion, and philosophy create and shape Aschenputtel’s character. Aschenputtel has to deal with a blended family and the coinciding sibling rivalry issues that come with her new family. She is continuously aware of the religious implications her mother has laid upon her. Finally, the adversity she faces with her cruel family gives her a “survival-of-the-fittest” type of philosophy.
Upon the introduction of Aschenputtel’s new step-mother it is told that, “ The woman had brought with her into the house two daughters, who were beautiful and fair if face, but vile and black of heart” (Grimm 7). Immediately it is exposed that the new sisters are evil, they take away her pretty clothes, ridicule her and make her sleep in the hearth. The actions of the sisters blatantly obvious as typical sibling rivalry. Visibly threatened by Aschenputtel’s

place in the home, they felt the necessity to mark their new territory and take advantage of Aschenputtel’s pious ways. On the other hand, Aschenputtel competes with them in a very different way. She is patient and bides her time. While the other sisters beg fo...