Zel lives a happy isolated existence with her mother in a secluded house far from town. One day Zel and her mother visit town to get supplies and the young prince Konrad fastens his eye on the beguiling Zel. When mother discovers Zel's mutual interest in the young man she convinces her daughter that evil forces are out to get her and the only safety can be found at the top of a tall tower. Oh did I mention that her hair grows really long and hangs down to the ground from the top of the tower?
If you have not already guessed, Donna Jo Napoli revisits the fairy tale of Rapunzel. Breathing freshness into this tale, Napoli gives us the story from the perspectives of Rapunzel, the mother, and the prince. Issues perhaps glossed over in the original version of the story now comprise the central thrust of the plot. Can a mother be too over-protective? (Yes) Whose interests are being served? What can a traditional fable tell us about the relationship between a mother and a daughter?
If you have not already guessed, Donna Jo Napoli revisits the fairy tale of Rapunzel. Breathing freshness into this tale, Napoli gives us the story from the perspectives of Rapunzel, the mother, and the prince. Issues perhaps glossed over in the original version of the story now comprise the central thrust of the plot. Can a mother be too over-protective? (Yes) Whose interests are being served? What can a traditional fable tell us about the relationship between a mother and a daughter?
As the story progresses you find out the true motivations of mother and what drives her to take such desperate actions in coercing her daughter into solitary confinement. Napoli does not rely on easy stereotypes however as we discover the pain of separation lived by each of the three main characters. The emotional struggles of each of the characters adds depth to the familiar tale and distinguishes Napoli's work from the original Grimm's fairytale. Zel suffers from believing the lies of her mother while knowing that something is terribly wrong. Konrad is distraught over the whereabouts of Zel and cannot continue his day-to-day living without knowing more about her. Mother is haunted by her past and tormented by causing so much pain to the one she loves the most.
But do not fear! Remember this is a fairy tale and a happy ending is practically guaranteed. Even the misunderstood mother exits the story with a wisp of hope. Napoli delivers a well told tale and enriches the experience by deepening the emotional situations of the characters. We are all a little better off in the re-telling of this classic.
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