CINDERELLA OR, The Little Glass Slipper

Name: CINDERELLA OR, The Little Glass Slipper
Author: Dinah Mulock

A gentle man marries a proud and cruel woman who has two equally disagreeable daughters. The man's daughter, resembling her deceased mother, is mistreated and forced into servitude, earning the nickname "Cinderella." Despite her hardships, she remains kind and gentle. When the king's son hosts a series of balls, Cinderella's stepsisters attend, leaving her behind. Her fairy godmother appears, transforming a pumpkin into a coach and mice into horses, allowing Cinderella to attend the ball in a beautiful gown and glass slippers. At the ball, she captivates the prince, but must leave before midnight, losing one slipper in her haste. The prince searches for the owner of the slipper, declaring he will marry her. Despite her stepsisters' attempts to fit into the slipper, it only fits Cinderella. When she reveals the matching slipper, her true identity is recognized. The prince marries her, and Cinderella forgives her stepsisters, inviting them to the palace where they marry wealthy suitors. Cinderella's kindness prevails, and she finds happiness, leaving behind her past of servitude.

By Dinah Mulock · First published 1829 · Genre: Fairy Tales, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 2,730 words

First lines

There was once an honest gentle man who took for his second wife a lady, the proudest and most disagreeable in the whole country. She had two daughters exactly like herself in all things. He also had one little girl, who resembled her dead mother, the best woman in all the world. Scarcely had the second marriage taken place, than the stepmother became jealous of the good qualities of the little girl, who was so great a contrast to her own two daughters. She gave her all the menial occupations of the house; compelled her to wash the floors and staircases, to dust the bed-rooms, and clean the grates; and while her sisters occupied carpeted chambers hung with mirrors, where they could see themselves from head to foot, this poor little damsel was sent to sleep in an attic, on an old straw mattress, with only one chair and not a looking-glass in the room.

What this Textopian page supports

CINDERELLA OR, The Little Glass Slipper is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dinah Mulock, dated 1829 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Dinah Mulock
Date: 1829 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tales, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Folklore
Length: 2,730 words
Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tales — The book revolves around the story of a young girl mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, who eventually finds happiness and love through magic, a staple theme in fairy tales.
Children's Literature — The book is widely read by children due to its simplicity, magic, adventure, and a happy ending. It is written in a manner suitable and comprehensible for children.
Fantasy — The plot includes fantastical elements such as a fairy godmother, enchanted pumpkin carriage, talking mice, and a magical transformation. These are common elements in the fantasy genre.
Folklore — The narrative is part of popular oral tradition and exhibits common folklore characteristics, such as oppressed protagonists, magical aids, and special tests leading to reward.