An Analysis of Anne Sexton's "Cinderella"

Anne Sexton's "Cinderella" is a modern reimagining of the classic fairy tale that challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Sexton presents a thought-provoking interpretation of the familiar story, shedding light on the darker, more complex aspects of the Cinderella narrative. This essay will analyze Sexton's "Cinderella" and explore how the poet subverts the traditional fairy tale to convey a deeper message about the human experience.

Gender and Power Dynamics

One of the central themes in Sexton's "Cinderella" is the exploration of gender and power dynamics. In the poem, Cinderella is depicted as a passive figure, oppressed by the demands and expectations of her stepmother and stepsisters. Sexton writes, "Cinderella and the prince / lived, they say, happily ever after, / like two dolls in a museum case / never bothered by diapers or dust, / never arguing over the timing of an egg, / never telling the same story twice, / never getting a middle-aged spread, / never being ill, never failing, / always beautiful, always young, / always perfect strangers to each other" (Sexton). This portrayal challenges the traditional narrative of a happily ever after, suggesting that the idealized version of love and marriage is unattainable and unrealistic.

Sexton's "Cinderella" also highlights the oppressive nature of the patriarchy, as Cinderella is at the mercy of her male counterparts. The prince is portrayed as distant and uninvolved in Cinderella's life, reinforcing the idea that women are often relegated to passive, submissive roles in fairy tales and society at large. Through her reimagining of the Cinderella story, Sexton critiques the societal expectations placed on women and challenges the notion of a happily ever after.

Sexuality and Desire

Sexton's "Cinderella" also delves into themes of sexuality and desire, presenting a more complex and nuanced portrayal of the titular character. In the poem, Cinderella is not simply a passive victim of circumstance, but a woman with her own desires and agency. Sexton writes, "It was not a fairy godmother / but a wise witch who came to my rescue" (Sexton). This line suggests that Cinderella is not reliant on outside forces to shape her destiny, but is instead empowered to take control of her own life.

Furthermore, Sexton's "Cinderella" challenges traditional notions of beauty and attractiveness. The poem subverts the idea of a perfect, flawless princess, instead presenting Cinderella as a complex, multi-dimensional character. Through her use of evocative language and imagery, Sexton paints a vivid portrait of Cinderella's inner world, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles and desires.

Social Commentary

Ultimately, "Cinderella" serves as a powerful social commentary on gender roles, power dynamics, and societal expectations. Through her reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Sexton challenges the traditional narrative and offers a more nuanced and thought-provoking interpretation. The poem encourages readers to question the ideals of love and marriage presented in fairy tales, and to consider the impact of societal expectations on women's lives.

In conclusion, Anne Sexton's "Cinderella" offers a compelling and thought-provoking interpretation of the classic fairy tale. Through her powerful language and vivid imagery, Sexton presents a nuanced portrayal of Cinderella, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. The poem serves as a powerful social commentary on the complexities of human experience, inviting readers to reconsider their preconceived notions of fairy tales and the human condition.