By understanding the meaning behind each character's attributes and archetype, one can analyze the interactions between them to discern the theme of the story. The symbolic meanings of these attributes add to Rapunzel's reputation as the 'good' character because she is a beautiful, young maiden that helps others.Īs a result, Dame Gothel wants to control Rapunzel because of her beauty, preventing her from developing herself as a member of society. Rapunzel's hair is described as 'magnificent, fine as spun gold, and twenty ells long' (Grimm 3) and her tears magically heal the prince's blindness at the end of the story (Grimm 5). In 'Rapunzel,' her hair and her tears are both symbols the former represents youth and grace whereas the latter is magic. The stark difference between the good and evil archetypes divides Rapunzel and the Dame further, creating a rift in their guardian-child relationship.įurthermore, there are various symbols in each fairy tale that relate to a core meaning. On the other hand, Dame Gothel is the evil enchantress that stole a couple's baby to fulfill a deal. Rapunzel is beautiful and innocent because of her hair and the fact that she was taken away from her parents at birth.
In this story, Rapunzel is claimed to be 'the most beautiful child under the sun' (Grimm 2) however, Dame Gothel is the evil character because she immediately took away Rapunzel as soon as her mother was 'brought to bed' (Grimm 2).
