Cinderella Resources

Cinderella Vocabulary

Discover key vocabulary words from Cinderella! Click on the cards to reveal their meanings.

Scroll over each card to flip and learn more about these important words from the story.

proclaim

to announce something publicly and officially --- The king proclaimed that the ball would last three days.

awry

out of order or wrong --- Cinderella’s stepsisters feared their hair might be dressed awry before the ball.

adieus

a formal farewell or goodbye --- Cinderella bid hurried adieus to the prince before midnight.

banter

lighthearted teasing or playful conversation --- The stepsisters engaged in cruel banter, mocking Cinderella’s dress.

Key Excerpts & Interactive Questions

Read each excerpt and answer the questions!

Excerpt 1: Cinderella’s Kindness

"Anyone else might have purposely dressed her stepsisters' hair awry in frustration, but not Cinderella. She was good-natured and patient, carefully arranging their hair perfectly despite their constant demands."

Question 1: What does this passage say about Cinderella’s personality?

Question 2: How does this passage reflect Cinderella’s inner strength?

Excerpt 2: Symbolism in the Story

"Happily, his daughter received the twig as if it were a priceless gift. She carried it to her mother’s grave, planting it in the soft earth as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her tears nourished the soil, and before long, the twig grew into a magnificent hazel tree, its branches stretching upward like an embrace to the heavens."

Question 3: What does the hazel tree symbolize?

Question 4: What emotion do you think Cinderella feels in this moment?

Excerpt 3: Cinderella’s Escape

"She sprang from her seat and fled as swiftly as a deer racing through the forest. The prince pursued her, his footsteps close behind. But Cinderella was too quick, disappearing into the night."