The Story of Tam and Cam

I chose to discuss the Vietnamese version of Cinderella, "The Story of Tam and Cam". This version is very interesting, because of how different it is from the versions of the story most are familiar with. One main difference with this version is that there is only one step-sister (Cam), who is in this case related to Tam (father is present in the beginning of this story). However, the step-mother, like in other versions is wicked and makes Tam do all the chores. One interesting aspect of this story is that Tam's beauty, which she herself must remind herself via a looking glass (pond), is a major reason for the step-mother's hatred of her. Gilbert and Gubar would make arguments similar to the ones they make with in their article about Snow White.
Another thing to be aware of in this version is how nature and animals are really the driving force behind most of the action of this story. Whereas nature plays an important role in both Grimms and Perrault's versions, it is the major focus in the Vietnamese version. In the story, Tam is told by "The Goddess of Mercy" (the fairy godmother figure) that she must take care of a fish. The fish is killed, and a hen (important that it is a bird) helps her find the bones of the fish. She wishes on the bones for gold and a dress. I find it interesting that this character that up until this point has been "pure" and self-sacraficing, would wish for such superficial things. The ball that everyone is attending is The Festival of Autumn (note again nature), and Tam is only able to go to the festival, because the Sparrows help her finish her chores (like the animals in Grimms).
Another very important difference, is the fact that the story does not end after the wedding between the King and Tam. Tam is killed by her sister, but undergoes a transfiguration. She becomes a bird, and sings to the King, who in this case recognizes that Tam's spirit is inside the bird. This singing bird transfiguration is like that of the Juniper Tree, because all who hear it find the song so beautiful. Cam kills the bird, and Tam's spirit transfers to a magnificent piece of fruit. She comes out of the fruit each day to do chores, the King finds her and is happy. After this, Tam again acts in a way that is not expected of her. She is directly responsible for the demise of both her stepmother and stepsister. She tricks Cam into being boiled in a pot of water, and her mother as a result is blinded.
This story is full of supernatural elements, and therefore it was a very enjoyable story to read. Unlike many versions, which have lost a lot of magical elements (except for the fairy godmother figure), this one does not shy into the realistic realm at all. The focus on the magical elements really capitvate the readers attention ( and surprises them), but most importantly help drive the story forward to its conclusion and moral which is essentially that people will get what they deserve.

For those interested the url is: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/tam.html