Strength of Character: Cinderella Stories in Live-Action Film Olivia Roberts 12th Grade

Strength cannot be universally defined. It is, in its truest form, an individualized characteristic. Some perceive strength as staying true to oneself and refusing to bend to the will of another while others may view it as taking in stride what ambles down the path of life with grace and dignity. The struggle for women to be viewed by society as strong, independent beings has existed from the beginning of time, but has recently begun to evolve. Both Danielle of Ever After and Vivian of Pretty Woman bring to life a modernistic air to the classic Cinderella story. Vivian of Pretty Woman portrays a better, more modern Cinderella through her self-assurance, independence, and emotional strength than does Danielle of Ever After.

The Cinderella story truly comes to life in Ever After, focused on Danielle de Barbarac. Danielle’s mother passes while she is a child, and her father passes shortly after introducing her stepmother and stepsisters, leaving her orphaned and under the care of her “wicked” stepmother. As she grows older she learns to accept her position as being below those of her stepsisters, Marguerite and Jacqueline. Having fallen from her title of nobility, she resigns to being no more than a scullery maid. On more than one...