Cinderella can be viewed from the Marxist criticism due to the conflicts of classes shown throughout the tale. This theory associates a close perspective between wealth and poverty. A hierarchy within the Kingdom shows the difference between the proletariat (working-class) and the bourgeoisie (upper-class). The king and the prince live in a castle while the working people live in old, run-down houses. The working class have to fend for themselves while the King lives in his castle having servants do everything for him; the king lives in riches while the working class have to work hard to survive. The higher economic status of the King controls the lower economic status of the common people which is considered hegemony. This fact is proven when the King declares every maiden of the kingdom, to come to the ball. In addition, this is proven when the King and Prince force every lady of the land to try on the shoe in order for the prince to find his love. People of the land are being forced into going or doing something they may not be interested in. This is the perfect example of capitalism because there is a higher power (The King) which controls the lower one.Marxism can also be applied to the class in Cinderella’s household. Hegemony can be shown in the household by Cinderella being a servant girl while her stepmother and sister are considered and treated like royalty. She takes there orders without question and they give her nothing, including appreciation; they demand things to be done (cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, etc), and she does it. In a way, the household runs just as the kingdom does; proletariat’s work for the bourgeoisie while the bourgeoisie dictate the proletariat's life. |
Yoza Mohasin | ENG4UQ |