Cinderella Quote by William Somerset Maugham
““Next morning on her way to the factory Liza came up with Sally. They were both of them rather stale and bedraggled after the day’s outing; their fringes were ragged and untidily straying over their foreheads, their back hair, carelessly tied in a loose knot, fell over their necks and threatened completely to come down. Liza had not had time to put her hat on, and was holding it in her hand. Sally’s was pinned on sideways, and she had to bash it down on her head every now and then to prevent its coming off. Cinderella herself was not more transformed than they were; but Cinderella even in her rags was virtuously tidy and patched up, while Sally had a great tear in her shabby dress, and Liza’s stockings were falling over her boots.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Merry-Go-Round”, 1915
The passage contrasts the disheveled appearance of workers with Cinderella’s tidy rags, highlighting social disparity and the illusion of transformation.
In simple terms: It shows how poverty and appearance differ despite similar conditions.
Key Takeaway
Notice the hidden dignity in everyday struggles.
Themes
class
appearance
poverty
transformation
social critique
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
literary
social
When to use this quote
- social commentary
- character study
- historical context
Key Concepts
symbolism
contrast
social hierarchy
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does appearance affect perception of worth?
- What does the contrast reveal about societal values?
A Different Perspective
The reference may be obscure without context.
