Cinderella vs Ella Enchanted Essay Example

Cinderella vs Ella Enchanted The tale of Cinderella has been heard and read for many generations. The idea of rags to riches has appealed to countless readers through varying accounts. The plot of Cinderella has become a traditional theme. Through different cultures and eras the theme has seen many copies, remakes, twists and views in literature, theater and film. Today’s era of blended families and conflicts in class statuses may be why Cinderella has been a classic. One of those twists is seen in the film Ella Enchanted. Ella Enchanted is not the same story, Cinderella redone, but has similar theme with varying differences. A version of Cinderella has been written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The brothers collected and researched folk tales early in the 19th century in Germany at a time of the French invasion under Napoleon in an effort to preserve the folklore stories. The brothers “are recognized as pioneers in the field of folklore research” (O’Niell). Although it was not their original intention, the brothers became famous children’s literature writers. Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm were born in Hanau, Germany. Jacob was born on January 4, 1785 and Wilhelm on February 24, 1786 to Philipp Wilhelm and Dorothea Grimm (Ashliman). The brothers’ upbringing began in a middle class lifestyle. Things drastically changed upon the death of their father in 1796. With financial assistance from an aunt Jacob and Wilhelm move to Kassel to attend Lyzeum. They proved themselves through hard work and ten hours a day studying. Sharing the same quarters, the long hours of immersing themselves in their studies was in effort to cope with loneliness and enduring social slights. Both brothers graduated head of their class. Wilhelm, already in poor health, suffered under the strict educational schedule. He struggled with bouts of asthma (O’Niell). In 1808 the brothers lost their mother leaving Jacob and Wilhelm to manage family matters and provide for their