The Symbolism of the Tower and Forest in Rapunzel: Isolation, Freedom and Escape
Fairy tales are full of symbolic elements that illustrate stories of confinement, liberation, and self-discovery. In “Rapunzel”, the tower and the surrounding forest play a crucial role in the story.
Rapunzel's Fairy Tale
“Rapunzel” is a classic fairy tale originally recorded by the Brothers Grimm. The story begins with a pregnant woman who craves rapunzel (a type of lettuce) from an evil witch's garden. Her husband steals the vegetable but is caught and forced to hand over their child to the witch. The witch names the girl Rapunzel and locks her in a tower with no door or stairs, with only one window at the top.
Rapunzel grows up in isolation, and her only contact with the outside world is via the witch, who visits her by climbing up Rapunzel's long hair. One day, a prince discovers the tower and falls in love with Rapunzel. He climbs up to her and plans an escape, but the witch discovers their plan and separates them. Eventually, Rapunzel and the prince overcome the obstacles and find each other again, after which they live happily together.
Symbolism of the Tower and Forest
The tower and surrounding forest in “Rapunzel” are rich in symbolism and significance:
