"Rapunzel" retold by Paul O. Zelinsky

Citation:
Zelinsky, Paul O. Rapunzel. New York: Dutton Children's Books, 1997.
ISBN: 9780525456070

Plot Summary:
A man and a woman were very happy except that they could not have a child.  One day the woman becomes pregnant and begins to grow severe cravings for rapunzel growing in the garden which belongs to the sorceress.  The man is caught stealing the rapunzel for his wife and the sorceress makes a deal with him that he may take the rapunzel only if the couple gives their child to her.  The sorceress hides the girl she names Rapunzel away in a high tower in the woods.  A young prince happens upon her in the forest and learns how to scale the tower and visit her.  The two marry secretly and the prince visits her every evening.  Rapunzel becomes pregnant and the sorceress casts her out alone into the forest.  The prince is met by the sorceress in the tower when he comes to visit Rapunzel.  The sorceress causes the prince to fall from the tower and he is blinded.  He wanders the forest where he finds Rapunzel.  The prince recognizes his wife by her voice and is surprised to find that she has had twins.  The family emerges from the woods and lives together happily.

Critical Analysis:
Zelinsky's version of this tale is beautifully told and illustrated.  The illustrations are elaborate and rich.  It feels as if you are walking through a museum and being told a story through paintings.

The story itself has a long history and is loved by many.  The story is balanced.  It begins with a couple who is happy but wishes to create a family, unfortunately, the pair does not achieve the family they dream of in the eyes of the reader.  Luckily, the story ends with the pair's true daughter having a happy family.  The characters feel emotions deeply.  The woman's cravings for rapunzel from the garden are so intense that she feels she might die if she does not get to eat any.  Similarly, the prince feels as though he will die if he does not meet the beautiful voice in the tower (Rapunzel).  These exaggerations are a common thread throughout the tale, including Rapunzel's hair which is long enough to reach the bottom of the tower and strong enough to be climbed.

Magic is a subtly implied element in the story.  The sorceress is defined as such although her most magical act is appearing when least expected.  The prince is stricken blind by a fall and the tears of Rapunzel restore his vision.  This is stated simply in the story, as if tears are the natural cure for blindness!

Review Excerpts:
Publisher's Weekly: "Zelinsky (Swamp Angel) does a star turn with this breathtaking interpretation of a favorite fairy tale. Daringly and effectively mimicking the masters of Italian Renaissance painting, he creates a primarily Tuscan setting...The text, like the art, has a rare complexity."
BookList: "Children--and adults--will pore over the intricate detail and glowing colors; they will also be moved by the mysterious tale of nurture and passion and terror."

Connections:
*Other folktales retold by Paul O. Zelinsky
Rumpelstiltskin: From the German of the Brothers Grimm
ISBN: 9780140558647
Hansel and Gretel
ISBN: 9780525461524