If someone told you a novel was "coming of age" you would know what that was. Same with "mystery," "romance," "thriller," etc.
What if they said it was "Cinderella story"?
What would you think they meant?
If someone told you a novel was "coming of age" you would know what that was. Same with "mystery," "romance," "thriller," etc.
What if they said it was "Cinderella story"?
What would you think they meant?
What if they said it was "Cinderella story"?
What would you think they meant?
What is the core of the Cinderella fairy tale?
I would distill it down to: Poor young woman (Cinderella) meets and is romanced by a wealthy man (prince).
So for a description of "Cinderella story", depending on the context I would think either a variation on the actual Cinderella fairy tail, or a more generalized poor woman/rich man romance.
Yep, "Cinderella story" is, by definition, a "Cinderella-like" story, thus it can go anywhere the author wishes to take it, as the definition isn't hard and fast. Thus the Cinderella story can be between two girls, two guys or a cross-dresser and his sheep. It's the context that's similar.
Thus, if a established couple 'discovers' a beautiful young girl, and sweep her away into a new world she never imagined, where people can live with whoever they want, without scorn and dismissal, despite the obstacles they still face every single day, it's still a Cinderella story. Or in this case, as "Cinderfella and his gal" story. ;)
Thus it's similar to an 'epic tale', not in it's length, but in the type of story is describes, one of Epic proportions, Epic in scope, not the number of words. Thus the term "An epic adventure called them on their quest", fits the context, as it's merely "epic-like", not related to the specific definition of "epic" or the literary genre of epic.
I agree with previous responses, but it's worth noting that 'Cinderella Story' has been broadened out to include any 'unlikely/poor/disadvantaged' party triumphing over the odds. It's very commonly used in sports for that purpose.
Going back to the original meaning, I would also say there should be some element of triumphing over actual antagonists. For a romance story, just being poor is questionable. Cinderella had stepsisters trying to beat her out and a stepmother trying to keep her down. There are analogous tales in other cultures; they generally have personal antagonists as well.
Almost always, there are personal characteristics tying into this. She's not just blessed with good looks but poor circumstances, but also brains and strength of character.
So, for me, I'd prefer to see those elements in such a story.
but it's worth noting that 'Cinderella Story' has been broadened out to include any 'unlikely/poor/disadvantaged' party triumphing over the odds. It's very commonly used in sports for that purpose.
Yeah, like Cinderella Man (the boxer).
The original Cinderella is not what I wanted it classified as. It's more the triumph of the underdog.
In this case, hero has an older bully brother who was always their parents' favorite. The bully brother also abuses his wife who the hero fall in love with. At the end, the hero comes out on top. It's not a revenge story though. So I classified it as "erotic romance Cinderella Story" but I'd like something other than "Cinderella story" as a genre(?).
Google's AI gave me this answer:
In literature, when an underdog character defeats a more powerful antagonist, it's often described as a Cinderella story or an "underdog triumph". This narrative structure highlights a character facing adversity and overcoming it, often against overwhelming odds.
I'd describe a 'Cinderella' story as 'Rags to Riches', generally along with 'Romance'. As others have said, the gender (or not these days) of the main characters could be somewhat diverse.
'Rags to Riches'
Which is not what I was thinking. I guess "Underdog Triumph" is the best I found.
I guess "Underdog Triumph" is the best I found.
That's a common usage in the UK media. For example, if a non-league team gets past the third round of the FA Cup, which is the stage at which teams in the top two divisions joined in.
AJ
Having watched that cartoon religiously as a youngster, it's gratifying seeing it still get some due respect. (Shall I sing the theme song, for all of you 'uninitiated'?)
Besides, the 'triumph' isn't strictly required for something or someone to be an 'underdog', as some of the greatest rivalries inevitable result in the underdog losing graciously in the end—earning the grudging respect of the victors (who never bother inviting them to their victory celebrations).
I see Bill Murray as Carl Spackler in Caddyshack
What an incredible Cinderella story. This unknown comes outta nowhere to lead the pack at Augusta. He's at the final hole. He's about 455 yards away, he's gonna hit about a two iron, I think … (Carl reels back and swats the head off of a mum. Petals fly like confetti) Boy, he got all of that. The crowd is standing on its feet here at Augusta. The normally reserved Augusta crowd is going wild … (he pauses as he notices some golfers coming) for this young Cinderella who's come out of nowhere. He's got about 350 yards left. He's going to hit about a five iron, it looks like, don't you think? (Carl pulls the grass whip back to demolish the next mum) He's got a beautiful backswing … That's … Oh! He got all of that one! He's gotta be pleased with that. The crowd is just on its feet here. He's a Cinderella boy, tears in his eyes, I guess, as he lines up this last shot. And he's got about 195 yards left, and he's got a, it looks like he's got about an eight iron. This crowd has gone deadly silent. Cinderella story, out of nowhere, former greenskeeper, now about to become the Masters champion. (Carl reels back one last time and — Swat! — blasts the third mum to smithereens) It looks like a mirac . . . It's in the hole! IT'S IN THE HOLE!!!
Totally improvised, it was one of the best parts of the movie
What an incredible Cinderella story.
You had to do that, didn't you?
I finally concluded that Cinderella Story is rags to riches while Underdog Triumph is what I want. And then you give that example which is how I originally saw it (hence the thread topic).
Now I won't sleep tonight thinking about it. And it will be all your fault.
Of course I'm trying to be humorous. Thanks for the post.