The Disney movie Tangled is an adaptation of the Grimm’s fairy tale “Rapunzel” and tells the story of a girl who is taken away from her biological parents and raised by a woman who keeps her locked away from the world in a tower. When watching the movie, the question arises whether this version can still be considered a fairy tale. A fairy tale is a short story “of supernatural wonders typically depicting the conflict between good and evil, usually focused on characters of royal birth. Most conclude with [...] a happy marriage. […] the supernatural is a dominant element, whether it be a magical person or a magical object or an enchantment. Sometimes these stories describe the hero’s and heroine’s life from childhood through the accomplishment of some great deed and then marriage.” (Russell 192).

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Introduction
Comparison of Grimm's "Rapunzel" and Disney's "Tangled"

Social Class and Background
The Witch/Mother Gothel
Entering the Tower
Motivation for Marriage
Rapunzel's Healing Abilities

Changes in the Movie "Tangled"

Tone and Storyline
Beauty Standards
Rapunzel's Inner World
Rapunzel's Independence
Character Development

Humor and Genre Mixing

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper analyzes Disney's "Tangled" as an adaptation of Grimm's fairy tale "Rapunzel," examining whether the film retains fairytale characteristics. The analysis compares the two versions, focusing on changes made in the movie and exploring how these alterations affect the story's themes.

Adaptation of Fairy Tales into Modern Media
Transformation of Traditional Fairytale Elements
Evolving Portrayals of Female Characters
The Role of Humor and Genre Blending in Storytelling
Social Commentary and Modern Interpretations

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: This chapter introduces the central question of whether Disney's "Tangled" can be considered a fairy tale, given its deviations from Grimm's "Rapunzel." It sets the stage for a comparative analysis of the two versions, highlighting the importance of identifying similarities and differences to assess the retention of fairytale elements. The chapter lays out the framework for the analysis, promising a close examination of specific changes in the movie and an exploration of the enduring fairytale elements within it.

Comparison of Grimm's "Rapunzel" and Disney's "Tangled": This section provides a detailed comparison of the original Grimm's tale and the Disney film, focusing on key differences and similarities. It examines differences in the social backgrounds of Rapunzel and her family, the nature of the antagonist (the witch versus Mother Gothel), how the prince/Flynn Rider enters the tower, the motivation behind marriage in each version, and Rapunzel's role in healing the prince/Flynn Rider. The analysis carefully lays out how the Disney adaptation departs from the original, setting the groundwork for the later discussions of altered themes and storytelling choices.

Changes in the Movie "Tangled": This chapter delves into the significant changes made in the Disney adaptation, examining shifts in tone and storyline, and analyzing how beauty standards are portrayed. It then explores the movie's focus on Rapunzel's inner world, her independence, and the character development of both Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The discussion unpacks the complexities introduced in the Disney version, specifically addressing Rapunzel's active role in shaping her destiny and the nuanced portrayal of the characters beyond typical fairytale archetypes. This section contrasts the passivity of the original Rapunzel with the proactive nature of the Disney character.

Humor and Genre Mixing: This concluding analytical section discusses the effective use of humor in "Tangled," examining its presence in both dialogue and action. It further analyzes the film's blending of genres, such as action movie scenes and romantic comedy sequences, which contribute to its overall appeal and complexity. By exploring these aspects, the analysis shows how "Tangled" innovates storytelling techniques, moving beyond traditional fairytale structures while still engaging with core fairytale themes, albeit in a different manner.

Keywords

Disney's Tangled, Grimm's Rapunzel, fairytale adaptation, character analysis, female empowerment, genre blending, humor, social commentary, beauty standards, modern interpretation.

Disney's "Tangled" vs. Grimm's "Rapunzel": A Comparative Analysis - FAQ

What is the main focus of this analysis?

This analysis compares and contrasts Disney's "Tangled" with the original Grimm's fairy tale "Rapunzel," examining how the Disney adaptation modifies the source material and the implications of these changes for the story's themes and overall message.

What aspects of the two stories are compared?

The comparison covers a range of aspects, including the social backgrounds of the characters, the nature of the antagonist (the witch versus Mother Gothel), how the male lead enters the tower, the motivations behind marriage in each version, Rapunzel's healing abilities, the tone and storyline, beauty standards, Rapunzel's inner world and independence, character development, and the use of humor and genre blending.

What are the key differences between Grimm's "Rapunzel" and Disney's "Tangled"?

Significant differences include changes in tone (from dark and somewhat bleak to lighthearted and comedic), a more developed and proactive Rapunzel in the Disney version, a more complex antagonist in Mother Gothel, the addition of humor and genre blending (action, romance), and a focus on themes of female empowerment and independence.

How does Disney's "Tangled" adapt traditional fairytale elements?

The Disney adaptation retains some core fairytale elements while significantly altering others. It modernizes the narrative, adds humor and action sequences, and develops the characters in ways that resonate with a contemporary audience while still engaging with underlying fairytale themes.

What are the key themes explored in the analysis?

Key themes include the adaptation of fairy tales into modern media, the transformation of traditional fairytale elements, evolving portrayals of female characters, the role of humor and genre blending in storytelling, and social commentary and modern interpretations of classic tales.

What is the role of humor and genre mixing in "Tangled"?

The analysis highlights how the use of humor, both in dialogue and action, and the blending of genres (such as action and romantic comedy) contribute to the film's unique appeal and complexity, distinguishing it from the more traditional structure of Grimm's "Rapunzel".

What is the conclusion of the analysis regarding Disney's "Tangled" as a fairy tale?

The analysis explores whether Disney's "Tangled" retains sufficient fairytale characteristics to be considered a fairy tale despite its significant deviations from Grimm's original story. While the adaptation significantly departs from the source material, it still engages with core fairytale themes, albeit through a modern lens.

What are the key takeaways from this comparative analysis?

The analysis demonstrates how fairy tales can be reinterpreted and adapted for modern audiences, highlighting the evolution of storytelling techniques and the ongoing relevance of classic narratives. It also shows how changes in character portrayal and narrative structure can significantly alter a story's themes and impact.

What keywords are associated with this analysis?