Death Of Cinderella

Alanis Morissette's 'Death Of Cinderella' is a powerful anthem that challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations placed on women. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who embodies a multitude of qualities—wise, ambitious, angry, free, smart, sexy, soft, and appealing. This multifaceted portrayal defies the simplistic and often limiting archetype of the 'Cinderella' figure, who is typically seen as passive and in need of rescue by a prince. Morissette's character is anything but passive; she is complex, opinionated, and unafraid to express her emotions and desires.

The recurring line, 'This is the story of the death of Cinderella,' serves as a metaphor for the rejection of the traditional fairy tale narrative. In this story, Cinderella does not need to be saved by a man to find her worth. Instead, the song suggests that if she were to conform to these outdated expectations, she would end up as a 'maid,' a role that symbolizes subservience and lack of agency. The lyrics also touch on the frustration and anger that come with these societal pressures, as seen in lines like 'It's all you could do not to throw her on the floor' and 'not to kick me in the ass.' These phrases highlight the internal and external struggles women face when they do not fit into prescribed roles.

Morissette's use of contrasting adjectives—fearless and tender, sweetly innocent and uninhibited—further emphasizes the complexity of modern womanhood. The song celebrates the idea that women can be many things at once, without having to fit into a single mold. The mention of falling in love 'a million times before I die' and walking into the sunset suggests a life lived fully and on one's own terms, rather than according to societal expectations. 'Death Of Cinderella' is a call to embrace one's true self, free from the constraints of traditional gender roles and fairy tale endings.