Fairy Tale Analysis

1) Rapunzel Analysis: Drawing on what you read in the essays by Alison Lurie and Maria Tatar, analyze the gender message sent in Rapunzel . Consider whether the central female character is a victim or heroine (or both or neither), and whether and how she takes action in the story. Tell how her beauty, passiveness or special powers affect her fate or status and whether she is aided by men or women or both in her quest. Think about her relationship to mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers, friends and strangers. Answer the question: what is her goal in the story and how is it achieved? Be sure to include what moral or social message you think the story sends. Quote from Lurie and/or Tatar to support or introduce a point. (For example, you might say in the course of your paper: Alison Lurie notes that “the protagonists of a story often represent conflicting motives or emotions within a single individual. This is one such protagonist.” Then you’ll explain why.) You will also need to quote from the story you are writing about in order to introduce, illustrate or support points you make.