The Little Glass Slipper

The story promotes virtues such as kindness, patience, and obedience, all considered important qualities for women during the 17th century. It portrays Cinderilla as a virtuous and deserving character, “of unparalleled goodness and sweetness of temper” who ultimately triumphs over her cruel stepfamily, reinforcing the idea of just rewards for maintained moral principles (Paragraph 1).  The story also emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness. Though Cinderilla is abused and mistreated, she sets up residence for her stepsisters in the palace and matchmakes them with nobility.

Despite Cinderilla's difficult circumstances, she perseveres and maintains hope. She serves the role expected of her and endures the hardships imposed upon her, diligently performing her domestic chores without complaint. Her humbleness and gentleness is rewarded when she receives the aid of her fairy godmother, emphasizing that duty and grace in the face of adversity can lead to a positive outcome.

In contrast, her stepfamily, who display guile, vanity, and jealousy, are never deemed worthy of divine intervention or granted an audience with royalty. The stepsisters dress in excess, with no regard for Cinderilla. Their finery is a result of Cinderilla’s efforts—“for it was she who ironed her sisters' linen, and plaited their ruffles; they talked all day long of nothing but how they should be dressed” (Paragraph 4).