The frog, though is a slightly different creature. He too, endures verbal and physical abuse. Today, the wretched Princess would be hauled into court to be convicted of assault with intent to do bodily injury or accused of endangerment. The frog leaps out of the water to console and assist her. The story is replete with symbols that can be interpreted a variety of ways, but he is definitely at the bottom of society as her scorn shows, "as if that old frog could do anything but croak in the sludge." The Princess is disdainful of his attention. She promises what she has no intent to do, and although she is so beautiful that the sun stopped in its path to gaze upon her, she has no spiritual beauty, little integrity and much self-conceit. Why any frog would want to be her companion is beyond comprehension for there must be dozens of readily available princesses hanging about just for a chance to catch a greenback. He tolerates her abuse, returning it with courtesy and kindness. She puts on a show at the dinner table of being disgusted and repulsed; he endures the humiliation.
It is a problem of perception. So often we miss something intrinsically valuable because we don't like the packaging. A quick browse through the tips on jobsites will reveal many articles dedicated chiefly to appearance: how to dress for an interview, how to make your resume look good; which clothes to wear, the right color for shoes; yet clothes really don't work. They are the packaging. A person who has shabby clothes or may be out of the toe might actually be a better employee. The interviewer makes an injust decision in judging the person by his clothing, makeup or botox job. A person, dissatisfied with his or her appearance and absorbed in the superficial appearance, might also make a very bad employee, always glossing over irregularities or mistakes, afraid to confront personal shortcomings or admit failings. This isn't needed in the working world, whereas the person with limited resources, might have greater ability at utilizing the skills and resources available. He might also have the maturity to understand personal limitations which is the first step of self-mastery. The person, having endured humiliation or hardship as Cinderella, might have the tenacity to take on difficult projects that require greater self-discipline and dedication. Such a person would be a valuable asset to a company as a reliable self-starter, requiring little or no supervision, but providing a model of inspiration to others.
