Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Ugly Stepsister" by Denise Duhamel offers a sardonic and revisionist perspective on the classic Cinderella story, narrated from the point of view of one of Cinderella's "ugly" stepsisters. This poem subverts the traditional fairy tale narrative by presenting an alternative account that challenges the reader's sympathies and preconceptions.

The narrator begins by dispelling the myth of Cinderella's (whom she refers to as Cindy) victimhood, accusing her of falsifying the story of her father's death and suggesting that he actually abandoned the family. This introduction sets the tone for a narrative that is steeped in bitterness and envy but also tinged with a sense of betrayal and injustice. The stepsister portrays Cindy as a manipulator who uses her apparent innocence and hardworking demeanor to endear herself to others, thereby overshadowing her stepsisters.

The poem delves into the family dynamics, describing how Cindy's "relentless cheeriness" and excessive enthusiasm for household chores came to be viewed by her stepsisters as part of a "sinister plan" to undermine them. This interpretation is a stark contrast to the traditional Cinderella story, where her chores are a result of being oppressed by her stepsisters and stepmother. Here, Cindy is suggested to use her subservience strategically, as a way to make her stepsisters look bad in comparison.

Duhamel employs irony effectively throughout the poem. Cindy's stepsisters accuse her of being a "fake" blonde and a master manipulator under the guise of a martyr-like figure. This inversion of the classic good vs. evil dichotomy invites the reader to question the authenticity of narratives shaped by appearances and societal expectations.

The stepsister's jealousy is palpable as she recounts how Cindy managed to marry Jeff Charming, a successful bond trader, portraying Cindy's narrative as one of social climbing and opportunism rather than genuine romance. The mention of Cindy charging an expensive dress only to potentially return it adds to this portrayal of deceit and manipulation.

By the poem's conclusion, the stepsisters reveal their own venture into a mail-order cosmetics business, capitalizing on women's insecurities—another form of manipulation. The stepsisters' lack of remorse and their schadenfreude over Cindy's rumored unhappiness in her marriage reveal their enduring bitterness and rivalry.

Overall, Duhamel's "The Ugly Stepsister" is a provocative reimagining of Cinderella that explores themes of truth, perception, and the complexity of familial relationships. It challenges the reader to consider how narratives are shaped and how often those narratives may obscure deeper truths about individuals and their motivations.

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