On the subject of Cinderella I have some thoughts...........
Prince, rich, charming, and rescuer.... that is what people think of him. Forgotten girl, poor, defenseless, trapped, alone.... that is what people think of her. I believe these are just and, in part, accurate adjectives describing these two solitary souls and yet there is more to it.
More to him. More to her. More.......
Cinderella lost her position in life, as well as the love and protection of her father in one moment. It happened at a tender age. She gained in return hateful step siblings and a calculating opportunistic step mother. A cold heart beat within the woman's hollow being, to be certain. Chills....... In addition, household duties that multiplied with each passing breath became Cinderella's reason for being. Without choice, these truths were thrust upon her. Happiness for this change of circumstance did not swell within the young girl's heart.
But hopelessness was not allowed to take up residence there either because a determined spirit dwelt in her slender frame. She did not permit herself to grow bitter. She fanned the flame of hope at each opportunity. A true friend she was to all that would receive her friendship; and faithful to them all without reserve. She displayed moxy when the situation required it and tenderness was shown to those that required it and would receive her affection.
Her step sisters are referred to as ugly and indeed we all have little doubt of that being an undeniable fact. Actually, I think they might crack a mirror or two, but what makes us all ugly is not a misshapen nose, an unflattering hair cut, or I dare say an unusually large foot. The heart of the matter is the heart.... period. Behave selfishly, manipulatively, hard, with absence of compassion and you will reap a bitter return.
So, the ugly question ....maybe they were but, their behavior was the paramount detractor.
The Prince, he traveled extensively, his education of the highest degree, privileged, pampered, poised, but not indulged. Excellence was expected in everything. The responsibility to marry and produce an heir, to be
prepared to rule over the land in due course; all these tasks pressed down upon him. He did not bow under the weight of it, he took it squarely on his shoulders and stood tall. Waiting for true love..... never impressed by the average batch of princesses, all so the same.
True hearts are those that recognize quality at first glance. Out of the crowd the Prince was drawn to Cinderella.
Not a woman of substantial fortune, but a woman of substance....this is what he was attracted to like the irresistible pull of a magnet. Cinderella found this stranger before her, kind, tender, displaying a gentle strength that was woven into his character. Her heart told her to be near him was a good thing. Her heart that beat with a wild thump in response to his nearness. She was not caught up in the fact that he was a Prince for she knew not, that he was the Prince.
Yes there is more to this pair than we ever think about. Forgiving, open, given to laughter, smart, beautiful heart, beautiful, well developed sense of humor.... that IS her.
Observant, humble, a people person, an admirer...lover of beauty heart deep, attracted to strength, a leader and truly charming.... that IS him.
Ever expectant of the missing piece in their lives, Cinderella and the Prince waited, they each knew their time would come. That the piece would one day fall into place and it did.
When you take the time to look, each person that fills a role of this story, has a lot to contribute. Even if it is just a matter of what not to be, we can learn from each of them. Cinderella is a positive example of believing for the best against impossible odds and up against decidedly discouraging circumstances. The Prince searched out character, heart, and a genuine woman of substance, and found it came in a beautiful package.
Yes, there is more.
