The step-mother shows her true colors and is transformed into the evil earth mother. Perhaps the mask the step mother was wearing is symbolic of Cinderella suppressing her id (Rathus 412). The Daughters are the Kora or subsets of the evil earth mother. Which is the classic symbol of the negative female qualities within herself she projects on her sister and mother figures. This is shown when her step mother treats Cinderella like a servant in her own home. She is constantly degraded and told how worthless she is, not allowing her to read, sing, or partake in the family gatherings. Also symbolic of the Uroboros eating its tail. Yet, Cinderella does all of her chores and still keeps a hopeful spirit despite her challenging life. .
Cinderella had many familiars the mice, the horse, the birds, and her dog are extensions of the good earth mother. In dream analysis the animals have significant meanings. The mice represent little fears or irritants (128), the horse represents freedom and expanding a sense of self (111), the birds represent the ability to soar to a higher awareness (65), and the dog represents the masculine part of the self and the need to verbalize desires (89).The evil earth mother also has a familiar a black cat, representing the feminine unconscious (Bethards 74). Cinderella was even kind to him, although he often took advantage of her kindness and got her into trouble with her evil step sisters. .
The announcement by the king is the call, the moment that offers the possibility of something out to the ordinary. The king invites all eligible women to the ball. The reason for the ball will be that his son is of age. The heir apparent, the crown prince, must choose a bride so that the kingdom can go on. Royalty may represent the sacred realm, suggesting an opening to her higher self. .
The stepsisters want to go to the ball, and so does Cinderella. The stepmother will permit this if Cinderella completes all of her chores on time, and found something suitable to wear.
