Cinderella Yeh-Shen by Tessa Renner

Yeh-Shen story

raesydaesy6 — 2024-10-15 20:59:08 UTC

Yeh-Shen was made in China to represent the Chinese culture similarly to the story of Cinderella. The author's name is Ai-Ling Louie, and she is known for producing many famous Chinese children's stories such as Yeh-Shen, Vera Wang, Queen of Fashion, Astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and Reaching for the Stars. This story was first published on January 1, 1982.

Summary

raesydaesy6 — 2024-10-15 21:42:29 UTC

Yeh-Shen begins with her father becoming ill and passing away leaving her to be forced to be a servant for her cruel stepmother. To cope with her loss she sought to find a friend, and while washing her family's clothes there was a koi fish. It wasn't just any fish," it sparkled in the sunlight with scales like gems", and it spoke to her to keep her company. Her stepmother hated this she never wanted to see Yeh-Shen happy, so she followed her and found the fish to get rid of it she cooked and ate the fish with pleasure. In horror, Yeh-Shen kept the fish bones in a jar to remember her dear friend. Every spring there is a party and all she wants to do is go, but her stepmother doesn't want to go and makes sure she has nothing to wear at such an event. Sorrowfully she went to her room and found the fish bones had turned into a tiny outfit, she opened the jar curiously and pulled the clothes out. in the instant they were out of the jar they grew to be exactly her size, and with this, she attended the ball. The king found her incredibly beautiful, unable to take his eyes off her. Yeh-Shen was so worried that she would get caught by her stepmother that she ran as fast as possible to her home, and on the way both of her golden shoes fell off. The king vowed to find the young woman with her golden slippers. when he showed up at Yeh-Shen's home her stepsister couldn't fit the shoe but her foot fit perfectly. Then the king declared her his wife.

Similarity's to The Cinderella story

raesydaesy6 — 2024-10-15 22:07:13 UTC

The original Cinderella story was very similar to the Yeh-Shen version, For example, They both had cruel stepmothers. In the Yeh-Shen story, "Her stepmother became mean and unfeeling, and she forced Yeh-Shen to be a servant."

and in the original story, " She could not bear the good quality of this pretty girl, and the less because they made her own daughters appear more odious. She employed her in the meanest work of the house.".

Another similarity was that both girls had royalty come and find them with a shoe that they left behind, and in turn, having them be their wives.

raesydaesy6 — 2024-10-15 22:11:55 UTC

The differences of the Cinderella story

raesydaesy6 — 2024-10-15 22:19:58 UTC

The two stories have several differences. Notably, Yeh-Shen obtained her garments from a koi fish she had encountered earlier, while in the original Cinderella story, she received her dress from a godmother who came to her aid.

Additionally, the stepsisters in the original tale were consistently cruel and mean to Cinderella. In contrast, although Yeh-Shen had a stepsister, she was not involved in the cruelty inflicted by the stepmother.ut wasn't involved in any of the cruelty that the stepmother inflicted.

Culture

raesydaesy6 — 2024-10-15 23:04:50 UTC

In many Chinese stories, mythical creatures are featured, and one of the most common water spirits is the koi fish. "The koi fish is a cherished symbol of luck, prosperity, and perseverance in Chinese culture. Its vibrant colors and elegant movements are said to represent the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success." In the Yeh-Shen Cinderella story, which took place during the Tang Dynasty, a koi is used to represent the fairy godmother in the original story, a choice that makes sense given the period.

Another Chinese representation is the golden shoes in the story that replicated the glass slippers of the original story. Most Tang Dynasty garments were very intricate and were made out of silk, linens, and wool depending on your social class. It was not very common for a commoner like Yeh-Shen to acquire garments that were of such high social status which made more people take notice of at the festival her compared to the stepsister and stepmother.

Festivals are very common in Chinese culture and in Yeh-Shen it is where the popular ball of the original story took place. This is where Yeh-Shen meets the king who takes a liking to her, to say the least.

Moral of the story

raesydaesy6 — 2024-10-17 02:19:59 UTC

The moral of the Yeh-Shen story is that it is important to always be kind to yourself and others, even when faced with adversity. This moral is conveyed through the character of Yeh-Shen, who remains kind and compassionate despite the mistreatment she faces from her stepmother and stepsister. The story emphasizes the value of kindness and resilience in the face of hardship and serves as a reminder to always treat others with empathy and compassion.