The inevitability of the life cycle and procreation has been the subject of several interpretations of “Rapunzel’s” moral. Other versions of the narrative emphasize the conflict between the young and the old. Rapunzel is imprisoned in a tower in the midst of the forest by the old witch at one point in the narrative (Duttagupta, 58). One interpretation is that the old witch is attempting to postpone the natural life cycle that leads to maturity, so preventing the separation of parent and kid.
Another illustration of this moral is when the blinded prince locates Rapunzel, despite the old witch’s efforts to keep her concealed deep in the woods. This symbolizes the inevitability of the life cycle and conception once more. The narrative depicts the conflict between the young and the elderly, most notably in the fight between the prince and the old witch. Thus, “Rapunzel” could be considered as a cautionary story for parents. Despite their best attempts to keep children locked up and hidden from the world, they grow up and escape.
It is also possible to view the story of Rapunzel as the story of personal growth. People would always experience the need to express themselves and live an adventurous life outside. Especially youth, the story demonstrates how powerful and blinding passions and emotions are. It could also demonstrate how dangerous and stupid can be lack of common knowledge and social skills. Rapunzel pursues the first love interest she meets in her life due to the lack of experience. Although this decision could be interpreted as a better lifestyle than being locked up in the tower of the witch ultimately, it is a foolish decision, nevertheless.
Work Cited
Duttagupta, Suchismita. “Reading Hair as a Symbol to Understand Changing Gender Roles in “Rapunzel” and Rapunzel’s Revenge.” Artha Journal of Social Sciences 17.3 (2018): 53-72.