Cinderella expresses anger at the clock tower telling her what to do just like her step-sisters and step-mother. Anna Freud might call this a defense mechanism, ‘displacement’, and it definitely serves its purpose in handling anger if used appropriately! Sigmund Freud referred to ‘sublimation’, a spiritual redirection or displacement that “serves a higher cultural or socially useful purpose, as in the creation of art or inventions.”

In response to the step-sister’s mocking her she stands up for her rights. “Well, Why not? After all I’m still a member of the family. And it says by Royal command every eligible maiden is to attend.”

Without the communication skills, assertive behavior, a lot of patience and humility, we can only imagine how Cinderella would respond to such abuse. It actually might make for an entertaining comedy or tradgedy in another version of “Cinderella II.”

Assertiveness is the ability to express yourself, your rights, and maintain dignity without violating the rights or dignity of others.

“The vices that make good theater are intolerable in life, and the banality of goodness on stage is no argument against the virtues.” Simone Weil

For more info from Rachel Hofer check www.lovingtherapy.com