Comparing the Grimm Brothers' Rapunzel and Disney's Rapunzel

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Comparing the Grimm Brothers' Rapunzel and Disney's Rapunzel

Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm also known as the Grimm brothers are historically known for their uniqueness both in their styles of writing and the exceptional illustrations of their works. Their age old literature has been told and retold with the essence of gothic architecture and contemporary children's stories for decades now. This essay will contrast the Grimm brothers story of Rapunzel and Disney's story of Rapunzel, it will also include comparing their illustrations with Molly Bang's theory.

In the Grimms' story of Rapunzel illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, the pictures observed are more aged looking. Viewing the pages, one can see that Zelinsky uses gothic architecture through the whole story. The "gothic architecture period" existed in Europe where it began in the mid 1100's and lasted until the middle 1200 centuries. (Roth, 291). The Grimm brothers reason for tying in the gothic architecture was because their works and collections were very German based and nationalist. The tall pointed arch and the tall tower, along with the "flying buttress," found on the cover of Rapunzel are a few examples of gothic trends found in the story. If one looks closely, they can see the use of stone and brick, which were the primary building blocks of the gothic style. (Roth, 300). Although there are many illustrations throughout the book, each page turns with gothic scripture and lettering along with tall towers and illustrations. Zelinsky was trying to tie the Grimms' writings in with gothic style and uniqueness.

In the more recent version of Rapunzel, Disney illustrates it with a contemporary look rather than an older gothic look. Instead of using people, Disney makes the ...

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...e horse has a rounded face to make kids see that everything is happy.

Rapunzel is a story told still today and illustrated differently as more time goes on. After reviewing the Molly Bang theory with the story of Rapunzel, and contrasting the Grimm brothers story illustrated by Zelinsky and Disney, we accept that the illustrations can be viewed differently. Whether it is gothic architecture, or a contemporary style, it is all work from the Grimm brothers.

Works Cited

Arkadia, Len and Liane B. Onish. Disney's Fairy Tale Theatre Presents Mickey and Minnie in Rapunzel. New York: Golden Books Pub. Co inc., 1998.

Heiner, Heidi Anne "History of Rapunzel" The SurLaLune Fairy Tale Pages. 1998.

http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/rapunzel/index.html

Roth, Leland M. Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, And Meaning. New York: HarperCollins, 1993.

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