Ok. Let's summarize what we know about this story:
Vocabulary
rampion: A Eurasian plant, having
clusters of bluish flowers and an edible root used in salads" (The
American Heritage Dictionary 1982)
Characters
Wife
wants a child; also "will die" if she does not have the rampion
Husband
wants a child; is willing to do anything to save his wife
Enchantress
lives in house behind the husband and wife; owns the garden; will
allow the husband to have rampion if she can have their first born child
Rapunzel
child of the couple; raised by the enchantress; known for her long,
golden hair
King's son
falls in love with Rapunzel and is "blinded" by that love
Plot
A couple that yearns for a child gives up their wish for a
woman's greed for salad.
Their child leads a "sheltered" life in a high
tower with a foster mother. Rapunzel accidentally finds out that there exist
other creatures called men. Luckily, it was the king's son who first
introduced her to this novelty. Foster mother becomes jealous seeing her
darling grow up. She attempts to cut off access to her daughter, by cutting
off Rapunzel's hair. Then attempts to blind the king's son, but the thorns
on the ground below take care of that. Lost in love he wanders, finally
coming upon his common law wife and twin children. Her tears of joy lift his
blindness.
Setting Extranatural time - No specific time period - fairy
tales Ruled by kings - concept of royalty Magic considered
natural Social class distinctions - rich and poor Covers many
years
Topics discussed
(To identify themes, ask what role each topic
plays in the story.) Love, Desire,
Lust Greed Jealousy Family relations Isolation
Not too difficult of a story. An "oldie", but goodie!
