A closer look at Cinderella's mother.
It is very easy to underestimate and overlook the importance of minor characters in the overall effect of stories. However, when analyzing Cinderella's mother, it proved to be the vital key in the story. While both variants of Cinderella: "Ashputtle" written by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm and "When the Clock Strikes" by Tanith Lee, have a quick reference to Cinderella's mother, their differing depictions pre-determine Cinderella's fate and shape the protagonist's outlook on life. Their contrasting characters construct the reader's judgment of Cinderella by instilling compassion or resentfulness towards her. Their "minor role" in the total word count of the stories becomes the foundation for Cinderella's outcome in life.
When comparing the depictions of Cinderella's mother, the opposing descriptions provide two sets of guidelines that lead the reader into two different directions. In the article "Ashputtle," the story begins with the tragic death of Cinderella's mother. Where, still in her deathbed, the mother's only worry is the unprotected child she is going to be leaving behind. Consequently, she asks Cinderella to behave and pray to God because if she does, "God will help you, and I shall look down on you from heaven and always be with you"(J. and W. Grimm 532). Then, she closes her eyes and leaves the material world behind . .
The mother's kindness and faithful spirit is reflected upon Cinderella and she embodies it well, since it is a daughter's duty to carry on their mother's expectations. Cinderella obeys her mother's last wishes and prays everyday hoping that everything will be all right. She carries on her mother's will without questioning it, allowing the reader to conclude and anticipate Cinderella's goodness and a feeling of compassion arises because of this. While examining the story, the reader feels that perhaps Cinderella is not deserving of her fate and creates a feeling of eagerness to see her in a successful conclusion.