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Chapter 29
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Cinderella is Dead, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Sexism and Feminism
Love
Oppression and Control
Coming of Age
Revolution, Solidarity, and Teamwork
Summary
Analysis
Constance, Sophia, and Amina spend each night leading up to the cotillion planning. Amina occasionally goes into town, where she learns of an increase in rebellious activity and a new decree by Manford that anyone who disobeys him will be considered forfeit. The women compare a copy of the palace-approved Cinderella story with the version printed in Constance’s book of fairy tales. The illustrations in Constance’s book reveal the true version of the story. In the final image, Cinderella appears to be kissing Charming, but in fact a ball of light is passing between their lips. It is the same light Sophia saw in her vision.
The laws of Lille become more oppressive as Manford grows more desperate for control, but that desperation speaks to the rebellion that Sophia inspires in other girls and women. Her bravery in standing up to Manford leads directly to the increase in rebellious activity. Though the novel focuses on Sophia and her small group of allies, the movement against Manford is much broader. Women across the kingdom are in solidarity with Sophia’s fight.
Active
Themes
Sophia declares that Manford is after her, so she should be the one to get close enough to kill him. Constance teaches Sophia how to fight with a dagger, and Constance opens up about her mother, who taught her to fight. She wishes she had family left to witness Manford’s defeat, and Sophia promises they will make her family proud “or die trying.”
Active
Themes
