Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper

Name: Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper
Author: Charles Perrault

A young girl, mistreated by her proud stepmother and stepsisters, endures a life of servitude. Known as Cinderella, she is forced to perform menial tasks while her sisters prepare for a royal ball. Despite her hardships, her fairy godmother appears, transforming a pumpkin into a coach and mice into horses, allowing Cinderella to attend the ball in splendid attire, complete with glass slippers. Captivating the prince, she dances gracefully, but must leave before midnight, losing one slipper in her haste. The prince, enchanted by her beauty, searches for the owner of the slipper, proclaiming he will marry whoever fits it. Cinderella's stepsisters fail to wear the slipper, but when Cinderella tries it on, it fits perfectly. Her fairy godmother reappears, enhancing her appearance, revealing her true beauty. The stepsisters, astonished, beg for forgiveness, which Cinderella graciously grants. Ultimately, she marries the prince, who recognizes her goodness and beauty. Cinderella, embodying kindness, invites her stepsisters to live in the palace and marries them to noble lords, demonstrating her compassion despite their previous mistreatment. The story concludes with themes of resilience, transformation, and the triumph of virtue over adversity.

By Charles Perrault · First published 1697 · Genre: Fairy Tales, Romance, Fantasy · 3,290 words

First lines

Once upon a time there was a gentleman who married, for his second wife, the proudest and most haughty woman that ever was seen. She had two daughters of her own, who were, indeed, exactly like her in all things. The gentleman had also a young daughter, of rare goodness and sweetness of temper, which she took from her mother, who was the best creature in the world.

What this Textopian page supports

Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charles Perrault, dated 1697 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Charles Perrault
Date: 1697 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tales, Romance, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
Length: 3,290 words
Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perrault
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Charles Perrault fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fairy Tales first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tales — The treatment of characters follows the typical structures of fairy tales where good characters are rewarded and evil ones are punished. Moreover, the story revolves around magic (a fairy godmother and a magical transformation), which is a classic trait of fairy tales.
Romance — There is a central love story between Cinderella and the prince, which concludes with a happily ever after.
Fantasy — There are elements of magic and supernatural forces involved, such as the interference of the fairy godmother.
Children's Literature — The simple narrative structure and magical elements, as well as the moral lessons presented throughout the story, are commonly found in children's literature.