Cinderella Italy

I found this version to be particularly interesting as it takes the basic concept and framework of the Cinderella story and alters almost every relationship within the story. What intrigued me is how this version is able to alter Cinderella from being the victim into being the difficult one in the family. Cinderella is one of three daughters. She is the one who differentiates herself from the other two, rather than her oppression immediately being forced upon her by two stepsisters and a wicked step-mother. Cinderella in this case does not capture the same pity as one in the Grimms' version or even Parrault's version, but at the same time, she ends up going to the ball much like in the other two versions. Only in this one, she drops a snuffbox full of money. Here, some of the ambiguity of why he likes her is shown. The lost slipper when she runs away embarrased is still present, but the chase is tainted by his potential stilted motives. The story of love taking him to her is somewhat lost as their relationship is already tainted by the temptations of money and the superficialness of physical appearence. She is still given the oppertunity of trying on the slipper and elects to pardon the wrongs of her siblings and father. Yet, I can't help but look at how the family dynamics set up a different scenerio for the magic of the ball night to take place. That, and the notion that her relationship to the king remained in the superficials of looks and money.