rapunzels - Free Printable Worksheet

All About Rapunzel's Mom (Character Guide)

The maternal figure in the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Rapunzel” is a character whose actions set the narrative in motion. Her intense craving for a specific plant found in a neighboring sorceress’s garden leads her husband to steal it. This act of theft ultimately results in their daughter, Rapunzel, being given to the sorceress.

This character’s role is critical to the plot. Her desires directly influence the central conflict of the story, highlighting themes of longing, consequence, and the sacrifices parents make. The historical context of the story reflects common anxieties about childbirth, desperation, and the power dynamics between individuals and those in positions of authority, such as the sorceress.

Free Rapunzel's Tower Printables & More!

The imposing structure, central to a well-known fairy tale, represents isolation and confinement. It serves as a prison, albeit often depicted with elements of domesticity, for a young woman held captive by a sorceress. This architectural element is typically described as tall and windowless, emphasizing the protagonist’s separation from the outside world. The story leverages this structure to establish a narrative of forced seclusion, dependency, and eventual liberation.

The imposing structure in the fairytale often symbolizes control and the suppression of freedom. Its remoteness emphasizes the vulnerability of the captive and the overbearing power of the captor. Historically, towers have been used for defensive purposes and as symbols of authority. The fairy tale recontextualizes these traditional roles, transforming the tower into an instrument of oppression. The narrative explores themes of imprisonment, the longing for independence, and the ultimate triumph over adversity.