Religious symbolism in characters
GOOD VS. EVILThe root of "good" versus "evil" stems from the bible itself. Good is seen by Christians to have come from god. Individuals who love and respect God and carry out his wishes and values are seen to be good. While many Christians hold that moral evil stems from rebellion against God, which results in injustice, vanity, pride, dishonesty, aggression, violence, greed and more. In Cinderella good and evil are represented by the characters themselves. Cinderella is seen to be good as her virtue is one of kindness and courage. Cinderella has faith that kindness will bring good fortune and magic; that stems from god. Evil on the other hand is represented by her step family. Cinderella's step-mother and sisters represent the darkest parts of individuals; greed, gluttony, envy, and selfishness.
In Christianity individuals who are good will be delivered into heaven, while individuals who practice evil will go to hell. The fight against evil is a important aspect in Christianity as it is a fight between who we should be and who we want to be. Cinderella proves to be a character who overcomes evil and is delivered into her own personal form of heaven. Ella not only remains true to her values, but manages to practice forgiveness another important theme in Christianity. While her step-family on the other hand, in various versions of the story are either caste out of the kingdom or have their eyes pecked out. Staying true to your values and ideals and defeating evil is both a important theme in Christianity and Cinderella. The overcoming of evil in Cinderella is clearly a reference to overcoming evil in life and Christianity. |
LoveLove is a important theme in both Christianity and Cinderella. Not only the love for another human being but the love for all creatures and parts of the earth. Cinderella not only loves the prince and her parents, but she also shows a love for all creatures on the earth. Cinderella forms a relationship with animals within various versions of the story as well. Cinderella cares for the animals both within her home and outside. In Christianity a individual is supposed to love their neighbour as they love themselves. Cinderella proves to love and respect the earth and all that is on it. Having a love for others is important to Christians as God wants all living creatures to have love and respect for one another in the way that God does for us. By treating both animals and humans with love and respect Cinderella is following gods will and is a representation of a individual with ideal Christian views.
forgivnessForgivness is yet another important theme in Christianity. Just as god forgives sins from sinners, Cinderella forgives her step-mother for her wrongdoing. Cinderella's ability to forgive is connected with the way in which a Christian should live their life, with the ability to forgive others even when they may have hurt them. In the newest variation on the Cinderella story Ella forgives her step-mother showing that redemption is possible for everyone when given the chance. The ability to forgive is important in Christian theology as individuals should be able to forgive in the same way that god does.
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