RAPUNZEL by Paul O. Zelinsky

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. Ill by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York, NY: Dutton. ISBN o5254560074

PLOT SUMMARY

In this infamous tale, the story begins with a traditional man and wife who pine for a baby year after year. When they are finally blessed with pregnancy, the lady develops a fierce desire for this forbidden herb, Rapunzel that is walled up in the neighbors garden, who just so happen to be a sorceress. The husband unwittingly agrees to exchange their future child for the herb to satisfy his wife. The sorceress takes the baby girl and raises her with care until she turns 12 years old, and then she is locked up in a tall tower in the middle of the forest. One day the prince happens by to hear her sing and is immediately in love. He discovers the manner in which to enter the tower to get to the young damsel, and they marry. When Rapunzel becomes pregnant and cannot fit into her dress, the witch realizes what she has done and shears off her long, beautiful locks, casting her and her future children into the desert wilderness. The sorceress then tricks the prince into climbing into the tower to only find Rapunzel not there and he falls to the ground from sadness. He is struck blind and in pain, wandering around until he stumbles on the same wilderness his family was cast in, and they fall into each other’s arms in tears. Two of Rapunzel’s tears hold enough magic to heal the prince’s blindness, and he leads his family to his kingdom to live happily ever after.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This traditional tale is masterfully done by Paul O. Zelinsky. The linguistic style is both simplistic and endearing to readers both young and old. The honesty of the wording enhances the sadness of pining for a child only to lose it to a sinfully desire in coveting a neighbor’s possession. The author highlights the religious dictates of the commandments in this fairy tale scenario: thievery and coveting. The tale encapsulates so many difficulties faced in everyday life: a mother not wanting her daughter to grow up and the fear of not gaining the approval of one’s parents, false marriage/bearing children out of wedlock.

The beauty of the tale is captured elegantly by Zelinsky in these oil paintings that are both realistic and ethereal. The landscape enhances a rustic vision of Italian origins with a dash of French influence. An oddly endearing witch is portrayed watching a young Rapunzel romp about in a picturesque outdoor setting. Each page is truly a work of art worthy to be hung as a most prized possession. The detail in the carvings of the small rocking cradle on the corner of the page to rushing water of the babbling brook on the following page brings to life every feature of the events and setting

While I do not believe children would easily catch on to the subtle messages that are challenging for most adults to discuss, it is a perfectly executed tale of a child’s growth to womanhood and starting her own family.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1998 Caldecott Medal Winner

1998 Carl Sandburg Award

“Suffused with golden light, Zelinsky's landscapes and indoor scenes are grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command."

-Kirkus Associates Review

“An elegant and sophisticated retelling that draws on early French and Italian versions of the tale. Masterful oil paintings capture the Renaissance setting and flesh out the tragic figures.”

-School Library Journal

"A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."

-Publisher’s Weekly

CONNECTIONS

*If you wish to rouse a discussion on the hazard of stealing and wanting something that is not yours, this is a good book to show children the punishments for such acts and the goodness that can be found in the most unlikely places.

*Find other books written and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book, Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award, and four time Caldecott Honors.

*Other traditional tales retold:

Hyman, Trina Schart. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD. ISBN  0823406539

Lesser, Rika. HANSEL AND GRETEL. ISBN 0525461523

Perrault, Charles. PUSS IN BOOTS. ISBN 0312659458