A Cynical “Cinderella:” Anne Sexton’s Interpretation of the Classic Fairy Tale Bridget Duggan College

Fairy tales like “Cinderella” have been passed down and reimagined through centuries, with each retelling distinctly redefining the character’s actions, motivations and traits. These stories often push a moral message that highlights the importance of goodness, and the ways it will ultimately prevail over evil - even if the help of a fairy godmother is needed. The Brothers Grimm’s “Cinderella” is no exception to this, as the titular character is rewarded for following the deathbed advice of her mother, who pleads her young daughter to be “good and say your prayers” (The Brothers Grimm 117). Anne Sexton’s poetic interpretation of “Cinderella” reimagines the Grimms’ version, contrasting its moral message with its cynicism, and highlighting the tale’s superficiality. In her retelling, Sexton’s realist narration defines “Cinderella” as unrealistic and frivolous, questioning the popular fairy tale’s true moral value.

The story Anne Sexton is telling in “Cinderella” is not a unique one. The narrator begins the poem with a dry comment addressing the reader, affirming that they “always read about it,” referring to the popularity of the tale (Sexton 1). This is followed by examples of rags-to-riches stories, like that of “the plumber...