『シンデレラ』の名言
Charles Perraultの『Cinderella』（1697年）から、有名な一節を10か所、一字一句そのまま紹介します。それぞれの意味と出典も示します。
10分で読めます
- 1
Once there was a gentleman who married, for his second wife, the proudest and most haughty woman that was ever seen.
意味： A gentleman’s second marriage introduces a proud stepmother into his daughter’s home.
Narrator第1段落 - 2
However, Cinderella, notwithstanding her mean apparel, was a hundred times handsomer than her sisters, though they were always dressed very richly.
意味： Cinderella’s beauty stands out despite her poor clothing, unlike her richly dressed stepsisters.
Narrator第3段落 - 3
“Well,” said her godmother, “be but a good girl, and I will contrive that thou shalt go.”
意味： Her godmother promises to help Cinderella attend the ball, linking that help to good behavior.
Fairy godmother第17段落 - 4
Her godmother scooped out all the inside of it, having left nothing but the rind; which done, she struck it with her wand, and the pumpkin was instantly turned into a fine coach, gilded all over with gold.
意味： The fairy godmother transforms an ordinary pumpkin into a magnificent carriage for Cinderella.
Narrator第18段落
- 5
This done, she gave her a pair of glass slippers, the prettiest in the whole world.
意味： The fairy godmother completes Cinderella’s transformation by giving her beautiful glass shoes.
Narrator第27段落 - 6
She promised her godmother she would not fail of leaving the ball before midnight; and then away she drives, scarce able to contain herself for joy.
意味： Cinderella joyfully leaves for the ball after promising to return before the magic expires.
Narrator第28段落 - 7
She left behind one of her glass slippers, which the Prince took up most carefully.
意味： Cinderella loses a glass slipper while fleeing, leaving the prince a clue to her identity.
Narrator第42段落 - 8
What they said was very true; for a few days after the King’s son caused it to be proclaimed, by sound of trumpet, that he would marry her whose foot the slipper would just fit.
意味： The prince announces that he will marry the woman whose foot fits the slipper.
Narrator第47段落 - 9
“Let me see if it will not fit me.”
意味： Cinderella confidently asks to try the slipper, knowing it belongs to her.
Cinderella第48段落 - 10
That she forgave them with all her heart, and desired them always to love her.
意味： Cinderella freely forgives her stepsisters and asks for their love rather than seeking revenge.
Cinderella第53段落
これらの一節についての質問
What happens to Cinderella’s magic at midnight?
Her godmother warns that the carriage, servants, horses, and splendid clothes will return to their original forms. The glass slippers remain unchanged.
What does Cinderella’s forgiveness of her stepsisters mean?
Her forgiveness shows that her kindness survives their cruelty and her rise in status. She chooses reconciliation and later helps both sisters establish comfortable lives.
