Moral lesson:

The consequences of overprotectiveness

-The sorceress locks Rapunzel away to keep her safe, but instead, she causes suffering for both
Rapunzel and herself. This reflects how too much control can be harmful.

The power of love and perseverance

-The prince does not give up on Rapunzel even after becoming blind. This teaches that true love
requires sacrifice and endurance.

The dangers of deception and betrayal

-The sorceress deceives Rapunzel’s parents and later betrays Rapunzel’s trust. This highlights
how lies and control lead to suffering.

Symbolism & Cultural significance:

Beauty, Youth, and Captivity

-Rapunzel’s long hair symbolizes both beauty and imprisonment. Her hair gives her power, but
also keeps her trapped.

Isolation and Control

-The tower represents how people (especially women in old societies) were isolated and kept
under strict control.

Consequences of forbidden love

-The prince and Rapunzel’s secret meetings show how love can lead to both joy and pain, a
common theme in traditional fairy tales.

Critical Approaches:

Feminist Theory
-Rapunzel starts as a passive female character, reflecting how women were once expected to be
obedient and dependent.

Structuralism
- The story follows a common fairy tale structure (heroine locked away, a prince rescues her, a
villain punishes them, and love wins in the end).

Folklore Studies
-Rapunzel’s story has existed in many cultures (earlier versions like Petrosinella and Persinette),
showing how fairy tales change over time.
Character Analysis:

Rapunzel
- Represents innocence and oppression, as she suffers for the choices of others.

The Sorceress
-Acts as both a mother figure and a villain, showing how control disguised as love can be
harmful.

The Prince
-A typical fairy tale romantic hero who represents hope and perseverance.

Application of the Plot:

Frequently adapted in literature and film

-Because its themes of love, freedom, and control are timeless.

Used in discussions about parental control and independence

- Even today, many people struggle with controlling relationships, making this story still relevant.
Moral lesson:

Self-discovery and freedom

- Rapunzel does not wait for rescue—she chooses to leave and finds her true identity. This
reflects modern values of independence.

Trust and friendship

- Unlike the Grimm story, Rapunzel learns to trust Flynn, showing that relationships should be
built on trust, not control.

The dangers of manipulation

-Mother Gothel gaslights Rapunzel, showing how toxic people use emotional abuse to control
others.

Symbolism & Cultural significance:

Power and control

- Rapunzel’s hair represents both power (its magic) and control (Gothel using it to stay young).

Hope
- The floating lanterns symbolize Rapunzel’s dreams and her true destiny.

Emotional abuse
- Mother Gothel pretends to love Rapunzel but actually uses fear and lies to control her, a real
issue many people face today.

Critical Approaches:

Gender Studies
-Rapunzel is stronger and more independent than past versions, reflecting modern feminist
ideas.

Postmodernism
-The movie plays with traditional fairy tale tropes, adding humor and adventure instead of just
focusing on romance.

Consumer Culture Analysis

-Disney commercialized the story, making it a family-friendly, marketable franchise.
Character Analysis:

Rapunzel
-More independent than in the Grimm version, making her a modern role model.

Mother Gothel
-A manipulative villain who represents real-life emotional abuse.

Flynn Rider
- Not a prince, but a relatable, flawed character who learns and grows.

Application of the Plot:

Popularized a modern take on Rapunzel’s story

- Tangled made Rapunzel a Disney icon.

Influenced discussions on gaslighting and emotional manipulation

-Many people recognize Mother Gothel’s behavior as toxic, making the film important beyond
entertainment.
Moral lesson:

Consequences of dishonesty
-The miller lies about his daughter’s abilities, leading to dangerous consequences.

Dangers of making desperate bargains

-The daughter agrees too quickly, showing why rushed decisions can be dangerous.

Power of knowledge and wit

-Learning Rumpelstiltskin’s name is the key to winning, showing that intelligence defeats
trickery.

Symbolism & Cultural significance:

Pursuit of wealth and impossible expectations

-The king demands gold from straw, showing how greed creates unrealistic pressures.

Power of identity and secrecy

-Knowing Rumpelstiltskin’s name takes away his control, just like in real life, knowledge is power.

Bargaining and its consequences

-The girl agrees without thinking, teaching that quick deals can lead to regrets.

Critical Approaches:

Marxist Theory
-The poor miller’s daughter is controlled by the wealthy king, showing class struggles.

Semiotics
-Rumpelstiltskin’s name holds power, reflecting how identity and knowledge are valuable.

Character Analysis:

Rumpelstiltskin
-A trickster who is both clever and selfish.

The Miller’s Daughter

- A helpless victim in the Grimm story, but modern versions give her more agency.

The King
-A greedy ruler who values wealth over human life.
Application of the Plot:

Frequently referenced in legal and business contexts

-Because it deals with contracts and hidden agreements.

Used in modern retellings that explore themes of power and deception

-Shows up in movies, TV, and even discussions about manipulation in business and politics.
Moral lesson:

Appreciate what you have before it’s gone

-Shrek realizes too late that his life was already good.

The dangers of reckless deals

- Making a deal without thinking leads to disaster.

Symbolism & Cultural significance:

Manipulation and greed

-Rumpelstiltskin’s tricks show how people use lies to control others.

Personal struggles
- Rumpelstiltskin’s tricks show how people use lies to control others.

Critical Approaches:

Satire
-Shrek Forever After turns Rumpelstiltskin into a comedic villain, making fun of how tricksters
manipulate others with contracts.

Postmodernism
-The movie rewrites the classic fairy tale, making Rumpelstiltskin a tyrannical ruler instead of a
simple trickster.

Character Analysis:

Rumpelstiltskin
-He is more of a manipulative businessman than a magical imp, showing how tricksters evolve
in modern storytelling.

Shrek
-Shrek makes a deal without reading the consequences, just like people do in real life.

Fiona
-In the alternate reality, she is a warrior leading a rebellion, showing how one bad decision can
change everything.

sa application of the plot same lang sila sa The Brothers Grimm Version
Moral lesson:

Power always comes at a price.

-Rumpelstiltskin gains magic, but loses his family.

Redemption is difficult but possible.

-He tries to be good, showing that people can change, but it’s hard.

Symbolism & Cultural significance:

Control and addiction to power

-He loves magic too much, just like some people become addicted to success or money.

Consequences and moral choices

- Every choice has a cost.

Critical Approaches:

Narrative Theory
-Unlike in the Grimm version, Rumpelstiltskin is given a complex backstory, making him a
layered character instead of just a villain.

Psychoanalysis
-Rumpelstiltskin’s addiction to power and deals mirrors real-life struggles with control and
obsession.

Character Analysis:

Rumpelstiltskin
-Unlike past versions, this Rumpelstiltskin is not purely evil—he is a complicated, tragic
character.

Belle
-Belle represents his chance at redemption—she sees the good in him even when he struggles
with his dark side.

sa application of the plot same lang sila sa The Brothers Grimm Version