Poem Analysis - Cinderella

Introduction: A Lament for Lost Magic

Henry Lawson's "Cinderella" is not a celebratory retelling of the classic fairy tale, but rather a wistful and somewhat cynical reflection on a bygone era. The poem begins with a familiar image of Cinderella's plight, but quickly shifts to a lament for the loss of magic and the certainty of reward for virtue. The tone is initially empathetic, becoming increasingly melancholic and ultimately resigned. Lawson uses the Cinderella story as a springboard to explore themes of justice, societal change, and the disillusionment of the modern world.

Historical Context: Lawson's Australia

Henry Lawson was a prominent Australian writer known for his realistic depictions of Australian life, particularly the struggles of the working class in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work often reflected a sense of disillusionment with the promises of progress and a yearning for simpler, more just times. This context helps us understand why Lawson uses the Cinderella story not as a narrative of hope, but as a symbol of a lost ideal.

Theme: The Erosion of Justice

One of the poem's central themes is the erosion of justice and the idea that virtue no longer guarantees reward. The first two stanzas establish the fairy tale ideal: Cinderella's goodness leads to her rescue by the prince. However, the subsequent stanzas directly contradict this. Lawson states bluntly, "though you were as good as gold / You’d never see a fairy now." This shift highlights the poem's core message: the world has changed, and the old rules of fairness and divine intervention no longer apply. The poem emphasizes a perceived lack of justice in the modern world.

Theme: The Disenchantment of Modernity

Another significant theme is the disenchantment of modernity. The poem contrasts the "days of old" when "man to wiser folk would bow" (implying belief in fairies and the supernatural) with a present where "the world has grown so wise / It does without the fairies’ aid." This "wisdom" is presented not as progress, but as a loss. The rational, modern world has no room for magic or the possibility of miraculous intervention. This is a key component of the poem's melancholy tone.

Theme: The Powerlessness of the Downtrodden

The poem explores the theme of powerlessness, especially the powerlessness of those like Cinderella who are left to "wait in vain" by the kitchen fire. The original Cinderella story offers a promise of upward mobility, but Lawson's poem denies this possibility. In his version, Cinderella's fate is sealed; there will be no fairy godmother, no prince, and no escape from her drudgery. This reinforces the poem's critical perspective on social mobility and the challenges faced by the disadvantaged.

Symbolism: The Dying Embers of Hope

The image of Cinderella "beside the kitchen fire" is a recurring symbol of despair and unfulfilled potential. The fire, which could represent warmth, comfort, or even transformation, is instead associated with Cinderella's isolation and her endless toil. The fire's embers could also symbolize the dying embers of hope and the fading possibility of a better future. The prince who "tries / The shoe upon a beggar maid" is also a symbolic representation of a bygone era where social mobility and genuine care for the less fortunate were more prevalent.

Conclusion: A Lament for Lost Ideals

In conclusion, Henry Lawson's "Cinderella" is a poignant lament for a lost era of magic, justice, and the certainty of reward for virtue. By subverting the traditional fairy tale narrative, Lawson offers a critical commentary on the disillusionment of the modern world and the powerlessness of those who are left behind. The poem is not simply a retelling of a familiar story, but a reflection on the changing values of society and the enduring hope that, perhaps, a little bit of magic might still exist.