Question

What is the motivation of the step mother in cinderella?

Answer 1

The stepmother in Cinderella is typically motivated by jealousy and a desire for control, reflecting traditional villain roles in Disney movies. However, Disney's more recent films portray independent female protagonists, addressing concerns about the impact of princess culture on young girls.

Step-by-step explanation:

Motivations of the Step Mother in Cinderella

The motivation of the stepmother in Cinderella is often driven by jealousy and a desire for control, which is reflected in the portrayal of stepmothers in many stories and movies. The stepmother may envy Cinderella's youth, beauty, or the affection she receives from others, leading her to mistreat Cinderella and elevate her own children's statuses. In the broader context of Disney movies, characters like Cinderella often find themselves in submissive roles where their happy endings are tied to marriage or being rescued by a man, though modern portrayals have begun to challenge these tropes.

Disney's shift in portraying its female characters can be seen in movies such as The Princess and The Frog, Brave, Moana, and Frozen, where the leading ladies take charge of their fates, showing that the company is responsive to the criticism surrounding the princess culture. This culture has been questioned by parents and authors, noting its potential negative impact on young girls' self-perceptions and aspirations.

The stepmother's role, while traditionally negative, allows viewers to contrast villainous behavior with the protagonist's virtues, reinforcing the moral lessons intended by the story. In a contemporary context, re-evaluating such characters could provide richer narratives and more relatable role models for viewers.

Answer 2

In the story of Cinderella, the stepmother's motivation is to secure a better future for her own daughters. She is jealous of Cinderella's beauty, kindness, and the attention that Cinderella receives from others. The stepmother sees Cinderella as a threat to her own daughters' chances of marrying well and improving their social status. She wants to eliminate Cinderella from the picture so that her own daughters can have a better chance of finding suitable husbands. The stepmother is selfish, cruel, and manipulative, and she is willing to mistreat Cinderella in order to achieve her own goals.