- Published: November 14, 2021
- Updated: November 14, 2021
- University / College: Rice University
- Language: English
- Downloads: 31
Although it seems like a simple story, Rapunzel is about a couple wanting to have a child for so long, an enchantress feared by all in the land, the beautiful Rapunzel who grew up with long tresses and an enchanting voice, and the prince who would later on become Rapunzel’s husband. Their story is a web of events that began with Rapunzel’s pregnant mother wanting to have a taste of the luscious looking rampions in the enchantress’ garden. The Grimm’s Brothers fairy tale story, Rapunzel, is replete with life lessons that readers can glean from it.
One of these lessons is the repercussions of stealing. To make his wife happy and spare her from death, the poor husband decides to steal rampions from the enchantress’ garden and was unfortunately caught in the act of stealing. What one thinks would give him temporary pleasure could actually bring about long-term negative results, which is, in this case, losing the child the couple longed for. Thus, it would be helpful to weigh the costs before committing an act, as sometimes, the outcome could be much greater than what one has bargained for.
Another lesson is that no matter how much one tries to keep another individual away from others, the need to connect and be with other people will always be there. Just like what happened to Rapunzel, she may have acted scared and surprised in the beginning after she meets the young prince, but soon afterwards, she realizes that companionship is crucial for her. This is because no man can live alone as people will always crave for company.
Additionally, knowing that another person loves and cares for someone is more than enough for that individual to feel happy and content. Just like Rapunzel’s story, after meeting the young prince and experiencing a different kind of emotion, she fell in love and willingly gave her hand for marriage. Thus, she may have been a prisoner at the tower, but her heart felt the freedom to choose to be happy and love the person whom she feels can give her the love she is looking for. This same love is the same emotion that gives the strength to fight for the love one thinks and feels he or she richly deserves, which is what gave Rapunzel the strength and wisdom to devise a plan on how she can leave the tower and defy the enchantress’ plans. In doing so, the story also teaches that there is a ” happy ever after” for those whose love is pure and can wait for their one true love.
Another lesson to be learned is courage. Courage to pursue what one believes is right and true, courage to go after what will make one happy, courage to stand up for one’s self. Rapunzel’s character does not show much courage and determination, as she seems weak in character. However, this is the exact lesson that her story teaches the readers, that is, to be courageous and strong in defending one’s love and freedom, unlike her father at the beginning of the story who did not think much of the enchantress’ wrath when he decided to steal the rampions. Thus, when an individual decides to stand up for one’s right and exercise courage, he or she must also be strong enough to handle the consequences of their actions, whether the outcome is negative or positive.