Religious Symbolism in Grimms Rapunzel Essay - 720 Words

Religious Symbolism in Grimms Rapunzel A fairy tale is seemingly a moral fiction, intended mainly for children. A lesson in critical analysis, however, strips this guise and reveals the naked truth beneath; fairy tales are actually vicious, logical and sexual stories wearing a mask of deceptively easy language and an apparent moral. Two 19th Century writers, the Grimm brothers, were masters at writing these exaggerated stories, bewitching young readers with their prose while padding their stories with allusion and reference: an example of which is Rapunzel. Grimms Rapunzel is packed with religious symbolism, which lends a new insight to the meaning of this classic story. The relation between Rapunzel and the†¦show more content†¦Through all of Eden, and assuredly Eden was a vast place, only one tree was forbidden from man. That tree was not very large, and its only appealing factor lay in its mystery. The size of the window, through which the rampion was seen, is correlated with the size of the tree illustrating that a small temptation can have very large consequences. That tiny window, which could have been easily ignored, led, ultimately, to the fall of mankind. Yet another biblical correlation is perceived in the first sentence of Rapunzel. This sentence outlines a situation in which a man and woman want a child, but are unable to conceive. Through the formalistic approach, an association can be fastened between this and the story of Jacob and his wives (Genesis 29:31). In this story, Leah bears Jacob several sons, while her sister Rachel fails even to conceive. Rachel and the wife from Rapunzel are in similar positions. They desire to bear children, but continue to remain barren. This association to Jacobs story is further strengthened through the mothers statement, I shall die unless I can have some of that rampion,(Rapunzel 514) for Rachel declared in Genesis 30:1 almost verbatim, Give me children, or I will die! As the fairy tale continues, Rapunzel depicts the history of man through her fate. She is shut up in a tower in the midst of a wood, much like man was separated from God, until finally, her savior beckons. In introducing the Prince, the authorsShow MoreRelatedEssay about Biblical Imagery in the Story of Rapunzel1996 Words   |  8 Pagesin the Story of Rapunzel Ostensibly, the story of â€Å"Rapunzel† is the tale of a young girl, locked up in a tower by a wicked witch, the real concern of the story, however, being lust and the dangers it represents to girls as they enter the rites of passage of puberty. Symbolism pervades the story of â€Å"Rapunzel†, as in all fairy tales, giving rise to diverse interpretations. While a great deal of the symbolism is commonly found in fairy tales, the Grimm’s infuse the tale of â€Å"Rapunzel† with much fromRead MoreThe Influences of the Brothers Grimm Essay1415 Words   |  6 Pagesdevelop into both Grimms Law and their collected editions of fairy and folk tales. Their collection consisted of a world†renowned tale collection, the Childrens and Household Tales, also known as the Grimms Fairy Tales. This collection laid the nitty-gritty for the historical study of German literature and culture. Though there were over hundreds of tales in the collection, some of the world s most popular famous stories, were included, including: Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, Rapunzel, Hansel and