- May 2023
-
sites.pitt.edu sites.pitt.edu
-
You have come for your Mistress Darling, but that beautiful bird is no longer sitting in her nest, nor is she singing any more. The cat got her, and will scratch your eyes out as well.
4 -- Rhetorical Strategies
Frequently, tales of Rapunzel include typical characters or archetypes such as the distressed damsel, the wicked captor, and the gallant savior striving for freedom. These familiar archetypes add to the genre's essence and lay a basis for investigating dynamics between characters.
-
Rapunzel recognized him, and crying
4 -- Rhetorical Strategies
Rapunzel as a type of literature often incorporates opposing elements to generate a sense of unease and emphasize important messages. This is shown through the juxtaposition of the cramped tower and the vastness of the world outside, the purity of Rapunzel in contrast with the wickedness of her captor, or even in how her vulnerability transforms into resilience. Vulnerability becoming resilience is perfectly portrayed in this portion here and in many other retellings where Rapunzel's tears are used to heal the prince.
-
Once upon a time
4 -- Rhetorical Structure
The storytelling framework for Rapunzel narratives is often predictable, with a standard narrative structure comprising of an initial period of imprisonment followed by the appearance of either a prince or another character seeking liberation. The climax comes with overcoming obstacles to achieve ultimate victory. This model offers an overarching design for the genre and its characteristic rhetorical effects.
-
locked her in a tower
4 -- Analyze Rhetoric
An indispensable aspect of fairy tale storytelling is the conspicuous tower in which Rapunzel is held captive. Its iconography and allegorical significance- evoking separation, desire, and an unwavering aspiration towards autonomy-remains specific to the story and genre of Rapunzel.
-