Cenicienta

 

I felt the effects of this course on my life outside of class for the first time last night.  I have to admit, it was a moving moment.

It began by snuggling down with a late-night glass of wine to watch a movie for my Hispanic film class.  I propped myself up with a few pillows, preparing for the difficult task ahead of staying awake.  The film began, just as cheesy and sensual as I expected, but instead of drifting off I felt myself growing more alert as the tale spun itself: a hopelessly-in-love daughter oppressed by her wicked mother into a life of servitude, her two sisters living the freedom she herself would never taste.

Un momento, I thought, This isn't the story of a Mexican farm-girl, this is la Cenicienta!  With that realization, the tale of Cinderella unraveled before my eyes.

As the plot unfolded, revealing detail after detail that supported my hypothesis, I found myself analyzing and dissecting the film in its entirety without a second thought.  The main character, Tita, is locked in a tower by her mother.  Cenicienta.  Helpers in the kitchen who make her feel valuable, like mice.  Cenicienta.  Handsome Prince falls in love with Tita.  Cenicienta.  Mr. Handsome wants no one in the end but Tita.  Cenicienta!

My initial and honest reaction was disbelief at myself for willingly tearing apart a work of entertainment analytically.  What's going on? I thought, I'm supposed to be watching a movie, not doing HOMEWORK!

When that moment of immaturity wore off, however, I realized what a gift this course has given me already.  I am more aware of life's happenings revolving around me, of plots and twists and people and motives.  I find the myths and fairytales silently trailing my study-worn sway wherever I walk, flitting through the back of my mind whether I am conscious of their presence or not.  I love the feeling of inspiration, when the moment the myth behind the story hits me, that comes involuntarily.

I am grateful for this inspiration.  I am grateful for la Cenicienta.