The story of Rapunzel went through several revisions by the Brothers Grimm

between the first edition in 1812 and the final version in 1857. While the essence
of the tale remains the same—Rapunzel being locked away in a tower by a witch
and later rescued by a prince—there are significant differences in language,
structure, and thematic emphasis between the two versions. Below is a detailed
comparison of the 1812 and 1857 editions:

1. Tone and Style

1812 Version: The tone is more straightforward and has a raw, folkloric quality,
with less attention to literary polish. It captures the spirit of oral storytelling,
sometimes with abrupt transitions and less focus on moral teaching.

1857 Version: The story is more refined, with a stronger emphasis on moral
lessons and a more polished, literary narrative. The Grimms aimed to make the
tales more suitable for a family audience, particularly children, so the language
was made softer and more didactic.

2. Character of the Witch

1812 Version: The witch (called a "sorceress" or "enchantress") is portrayed as a

malevolent figure but not in an overly detailed or personalized way. Her
motivations are not deeply explored, and her actions, while cruel, are presented
more as plot devices than character-driven choices.

1857 Version: The witch is more vividly characterized. Her cruelty and
possessiveness are emphasized, particularly in her relationship with Rapunzel.
The enchantress becomes more of a controlling mother figure, reflecting deeper
psychological themes of maternal possessiveness. Her betrayal of Rapunzel’s trust
is given more weight in the narrative.

3. Rapunzel’s Innocence and Naivety

1812 Version: Rapunzel is presented as a more passive character. When the

sorceress discovers that Rapunzel has been seeing the prince, it is because
Rapunzel naively mentions that her clothes are getting tight around her belly,
indicating she is pregnant. This line is matter-of-fact and lacks emotional depth,
showing Rapunzel’s lack of awareness of her condition and its consequences.

1857 Version: This pregnancy detail is removed entirely in the later version.
Instead, the sorceress discovers Rapunzel’s secret when Rapunzel innocently asks
why the witch is heavier to lift than the prince. This change removes the direct
suggestion of premarital relations, making the story more suitable for younger
audiences and reflecting Victorian-era sensibilities around morality and propriety.

4. Relationship Between Rapunzel and the Prince

1812 Version: The relationship between Rapunzel and the prince is direct and not
overly romanticized. They quickly fall in love and have repeated secret meetings.
The suggestion that Rapunzel becomes pregnant is indicative of a more open
depiction of their relationship, albeit in a subtle manner.

1857 Version: The relationship is portrayed in a more idealized, chaste way. The
couple’s love is still passionate, but there is no suggestion of physical intimacy.
Their meetings are described with more romantic, fairy-tale elements, focusing on
emotional bonding rather than physical attraction. The story emphasizes the
prince’s love for Rapunzel as pure and honorable.

5. Moral Elements and Consequences

1812 Version: The story does not emphasize moral lessons as strongly as later
versions. Rapunzel and the prince are separated after the sorceress cuts
Rapunzel’s hair and casts her out, and the prince is blinded after falling from the
tower. However, these consequences feel more like dramatic plot points than
punishments for any moral transgressions.

1857 Version: The moral elements are more prominent. The prince’s blinding is
portrayed as a form of penance, and the couple’s eventual reunion is framed as a
reward for their enduring love and loyalty. The focus is on their suffering and
perseverance, giving the story a clearer moral framework about the redemptive
power of love and enduring hardship.

6. Ending

1812 Version: Rapunzel gives birth to twins while living in exile. She eventually
reunites with the prince when her tears miraculously restore his sight. The ending
is happy but less emotionally developed, with a focus on the plot resolution
rather than character growth.

1857 Version: The ending is much more emotionally charged and dramatic.
Rapunzel’s tears are described in greater detail, symbolizing purity and
redemption, and the reunion with the prince is depicted with more
sentimentality. The story ends with a clear moral message about the power of
love to overcome adversity, a theme that is given more emotional depth in this
version.

7. Language and Pacing

1812 Version: The language is simpler, and the pacing is quicker, with less
descriptive detail. The focus is on the sequence of events rather than building up
atmosphere or character.

1857 Version: The language is more elaborate, with greater attention to

description and dialogue. The pacing is slower, allowing for more emotional
resonance and a stronger sense of character development. The story is written
more as a piece of literary fairy-tale fiction rather than a direct reflection of folk
oral tradition.

8. Psychological Depth

1812 Version: The characters are more archetypal, with less psychological
complexity. The story is focused more on action and external events.

1857 Version: There is a deeper exploration of the psychological aspects of the

characters, particularly the relationship between Rapunzel and the witch, which
takes on a more symbolic dimension, reflecting themes of control, freedom, and
maternal possessiveness.
---

Summary of Key Changes

In conclusion, the 1812 version of Rapunzel is more reflective of the oral folk
traditions, with a focus on plot, while the 1857 edition emphasizes emotional and
moral themes, refining the characters and making the story more suitable for
children in a Victorian context. The revisions reflect the Grimms' evolving vision
for their fairy tales, transforming them from raw folk tales into carefully crafted
stories with clear moral and emotional lessons.
Here's a comparison of the characters between the **original Grimms'
"Rapunzel" (1812)** and a **politically correct (PC) version** of the fairy tale:

### 1. **Rapunzel**
- **Original Version:**
- **Personality:** Rapunzel is depicted as passive, naïve, and innocent. She has
little control over her circumstances and relies on others, particularly the prince,
to change her situation. Her role is largely reactive, waiting in the tower until she
is discovered and rescued.
- **Agency:** She lacks agency. She does not question her imprisonment or
the authority of the enchantress. Her only act of independence, telling the
enchantress about the prince's visits (unintentionally), leads to punishment.
- **Character Growth:** There is little internal growth; her development is
mostly in response to external events. She becomes a mother while in exile, and
only at the end does she somewhat gain control of her fate when she reunites
with the prince.

- **Politically Correct Version:**

- **Personality:** Rapunzel is often reimagined as a strong, independent, and
resourceful character. Instead of passively waiting, she may take action to escape
her imprisonment or resist the enchantress’s control. She’s portrayed as more
intelligent and emotionally mature.
- **Agency:** In the PC version, Rapunzel is more likely to demonstrate self-
sufficiency and doesn’t need a prince to save her. She may devise her own escape
plan or negotiate her way out of the tower, emphasizing autonomy and resilience.
- **Character Growth:** Rapunzel undergoes greater character development,
learning to challenge authority and societal norms. She evolves from a victim into
an empowered protagonist.
### 2. **The Witch (Enchantress)**
- **Original Version:**
- **Personality:** The witch is portrayed as the traditional antagonist: a cruel,
selfish figure who imprisons Rapunzel out of jealousy and control. She is vengeful
and punishes Rapunzel for any disobedience, especially when she learns about
the prince’s visits.
- **Motivation:** The witch is motivated by her desire to control Rapunzel and
maintain dominance. She feels betrayed when Rapunzel grows up and begins to
have contact with the outside world.
- **Role in the Story:** The witch is clearly evil, with no redeeming qualities.
She embodies the archetype of the villain who exists to obstruct the protagonists.

- **Politically Correct Version:**

- **Personality:** The witch may be reinterpreted as a more complex or
misunderstood character. Rather than pure evil, she may be shown as
overprotective or misguided, possibly caring for Rapunzel in her own flawed way.
Her actions might be reframed as coming from a place of fear or trauma.
- **Motivation:** Instead of acting purely out of jealousy or malice, the
politically correct witch might be depicted as trying to protect Rapunzel from a
harsh or dangerous world. Her actions may be more about misguided love or an
attempt to shelter Rapunzel from harm.
- **Role in the Story:** She may no longer be a simple antagonist but a more
morally ambiguous figure. This portrayal softens the black-and-white "good
versus evil" dynamic of the original.

### 3. **The Prince**

- **Original Version:**
 - **Personality:** The prince is a traditional hero figure. He is brave,
resourceful, and determined to rescue Rapunzel. His actions are primarily focused
on saving her and overcoming the obstacles set by the witch.
- **Agency:** The prince has significant agency, actively pursuing Rapunzel
and eventually marrying her after various trials. He symbolizes the knight-in-
shining-armor trope, which was common in fairy tales of that era.
- **Character Growth:** His main growth comes through suffering; after being
blinded by the witch, he continues to search for Rapunzel, enduring hardship and
showing resilience.

- **Politically Correct Version:**

- **Personality:** The prince may be portrayed as a more nuanced character.
He could be less of a "rescuer" and more of a partner, respecting Rapunzel’s
strength and agency. His role might be less about saving Rapunzel and more
about supporting her or working together with her.
- **Agency:** The prince’s actions are often secondary to Rapunzel’s in the PC
version. He might still play a role in helping her, but she is not dependent on him.
Their relationship is often more equal, emphasizing partnership over rescue.
- **Character Growth:** His growth may involve learning to respect Rapunzel's
autonomy rather than treating her as a damsel in distress. He might also grow
emotionally, showing vulnerability and humility in a more modern, less
traditionally heroic way.

### 4. **Rapunzel's Parents**

- **Original Version:**
- **Personality and Role:** Rapunzel’s parents, particularly her mother, are
responsible for Rapunzel’s imprisonment. The mother craves rampion (or
Rapunzel) from the witch's garden, and her father steals it, leading to their debt.
They appear briefly, and their role is mostly as passive victims of their own
mistakes.
 - **Motivation:** Their motivations are largely selfish or desperate, and they
fail to protect Rapunzel, leading to her being taken by the enchantress.

- **Politically Correct Version:**

- **Personality and Role:** Rapunzel's parents might be portrayed as more
sympathetic or less culpable. They could be depicted as making a difficult decision
to protect Rapunzel, or their role may be downplayed to avoid assigning blame
for their daughter's fate.
- **Motivation:** Their actions might be reframed as arising from concern for
Rapunzel’s safety, with an emphasis on more positive traits like love or
desperation rather than selfishness.

### **Overall Themes:**

- **Original Version:** The Grimms' tale reflects traditional fairy tale tropes,
with clear distinctions between good and evil, male heroes, and female passivity.
It also includes darker elements such as punishment, blindness, and exile, which
are typical of older, moralistic fairy tales.

- **Politically Correct Version:** The PC version often focuses on modern values

like gender equality, female empowerment, and more nuanced character
motivations. It avoids overt villainization and emphasizes collaboration,
independence, and mutual respect in relationships. Additionally, it softens the
darker elements, promoting more uplifting or progressive narratives.

In summary, while the **original "Rapunzel"** features a classic damsel-in-

distress dynamic with clear heroes and villains, the **politically correct version**
tends to empower Rapunzel, reduce the prince's role as a rescuer, and reframe
the witch as more than just an evil figure.
The **original Rapunzel** by the Brothers Grimm (1812) and a **politically
correct version** of the tale have significant differences, both in content and
tone, reflecting broader shifts in societal values and storytelling conventions.
Here's a comparison of the two:

### **1. Plot and Characters**

**Original Grimm Version (1812):**
- **Plot:** Rapunzel is a girl locked in a tower by a witch (or sorceress) because
her parents made a deal to give her away in exchange for a plant (rapunzel) from
the witch’s garden. A prince eventually finds her and climbs the tower using her
long hair. They fall in love, and Rapunzel becomes pregnant, revealing their secret
to the witch. The witch banishes Rapunzel to a desert, blinds the prince, and they
are only reunited after much suffering.
- **Characters:**
- The **witch** (or sorceress) is portrayed as cruel, keeping Rapunzel isolated.
- **Rapunzel** is more passive, obeying the witch and waiting to be rescued.
- The **prince** plays the role of the savior but suffers consequences for his
love.

**Politically Correct Version:**

- **Plot:** The basic storyline may still involve a girl in a tower, but often the
narrative is altered to avoid themes like forced captivity, pregnancy out of
wedlock, or the girl needing to be saved by a man. Rapunzel is depicted as more
self-sufficient, perhaps freeing herself or actively contributing to her own rescue.
- **Characters:**
- The **witch** may be reinterpreted as a more complex character, not entirely
villainous, or her actions are justified through a modern lens (e.g.,
overprotectiveness).
 - **Rapunzel** is empowered, making decisions for herself and demonstrating
agency. Instead of passively waiting for rescue, she may strategize her escape.
- The **prince** or male savior figure may be minimized or shown as a partner
rather than a rescuer, emphasizing equality in their relationship.

### **2. Themes**

**Original Grimm Version:**
- **Innocence and punishment:** Rapunzel's pregnancy before marriage is a
moral theme, with her suffering (exile, the prince’s blindness) seen as a
punishment for breaking social norms.
- **Obedience and control:** Rapunzel is controlled by the witch, highlighting
themes of confinement and lack of agency, especially for women.
- **Romantic rescue:** The prince rescues Rapunzel, a common trope where the
woman is passive and the man is the hero.

**Politically Correct Version:**

- **Empowerment:** The politically correct retelling focuses on Rapunzel’s
independence. The idea that she doesn’t need rescuing or can contribute equally
to her own fate is a key theme.
- **Equality:** Relationships are portrayed as partnerships rather than one-sided
rescues, rejecting the notion that women must be saved by men.
- **Moral ambiguity:** Rather than stark good vs. evil, characters like the witch
might have more nuance, showing motivations beyond cruelty.

### **3. Tone and Language**

**Original Grimm Version:**
- **Dark and cautionary:** Grimms' stories often have dark undertones, and
Rapunzel is no exception. The tale includes blindness, exile, and emotional
suffering, making it a grim moral lesson about disobedience and consequences.
- **Direct and simplistic:** The storytelling style is straightforward, with less
emphasis on character depth or internal development.

**Politically Correct Version:**

- **Light-hearted or empowering:** Modern retellings often remove the darker
elements, opting for a more uplifting tone that emphasizes self-worth and
personal growth.
- **Inclusive and sensitive language:** Politically correct versions may avoid
language that is outdated, sexist, or that reinforces negative stereotypes, aiming
for a more positive or neutral portrayal of all characters.

### **4. Moral Lessons**

**Original Grimm Version:**
- **Moral consequences:** The story serves as a cautionary tale about
disobedience, premarital relations, and punishment for defying societal norms.
- **Traditional gender roles:** The narrative reinforces traditional gender roles,
with Rapunzel as the damsel and the prince as the hero.

**Politically Correct Version:**

- **Self-empowerment:** The modern take teaches that individuals have the
power to shape their own destiny, breaking free from harmful or controlling
environments.
- **Equality and partnership:** It promotes the idea of balanced, respectful
relationships rather than ones rooted in rescue and subjugation.
### Conclusion:
The **original "Rapunzel" by the Grimms** is a tale deeply rooted in early 19th-
century values, including themes of punishment, passivity, and traditional gender
roles. By contrast, the **politically correct version** seeks to align with
contemporary values, offering a narrative that emphasizes empowerment,
equality, and moral ambiguity, often softening the darker or more controversial
elements of the original story.

In the politically correct version of "Rapunzel," certain terms and concepts are
adjusted to align with modern sensibilities and values. Here's a breakdown of the
terms often used and the implications they carry:

### 1. **Empowerment**
- **Explanation:** In politically correct versions, **empowerment** refers to
giving Rapunzel more agency and autonomy. She is not a passive character
waiting to be rescued but rather takes control of her situation.
- **Implication:** This shift reflects modern feminist ideals, promoting the idea
that women can be self-reliant and capable of shaping their destinies. It contrasts
with the original, where Rapunzel is more of a victim or passive character under
the control of others.

### 2. **Equality**
- **Explanation:** The relationship between Rapunzel and the prince (or any love
interest) is often presented as a partnership where both characters contribute
equally to the resolution of the story.
- **Implication:** This term challenges the traditional gender roles where men
are portrayed as saviors and women as helpless. It promotes a more balanced
portrayal of relationships, reinforcing contemporary views on gender equality.

### 3. **Partnership**
- **Explanation:** The prince, if present in the story, is no longer a hero rescuing
Rapunzel. Instead, they work together to overcome challenges.
- **Implication:** This concept reflects modern relationship ideals where
collaboration and mutual support are key. It moves away from hierarchical or
savior-victim dynamics, promoting more equitable relationships.

### 4. **Nuanced Characters**

- **Explanation:** In politically correct versions, the characters, especially the
witch, may be more **nuanced** or complex, rather than outright evil or
malicious. The witch's motivations could be reinterpreted (e.g.,
overprotectiveness rather than cruelty).
- **Implication:** This approach emphasizes that people are rarely entirely good
or bad, reflecting a more modern, psychologically complex understanding of
human behavior. It avoids the stark moral binaries often found in older tales.

### 5. **Moral Ambiguity**

- **Explanation:** Rather than having clear-cut villains and victims, politically
correct versions of the story may present moral **ambiguity**. Characters may
have understandable motives or actions that are not purely good or evil.
- **Implication:** This reflects contemporary views that morality is often
complex, rejecting the simplistic moral lessons of the original. It encourages
readers to think critically about characters' actions and motivations.

### 6. **Sensitive Language**

- **Explanation:** Terms and descriptions that could be deemed offensive,
gender-biased, or reinforcing negative stereotypes are replaced with **inclusive
and neutral** language.
- **Implication:** The use of sensitive language reflects a broader cultural shift
toward inclusivity, ensuring that storytelling does not perpetuate harmful biases
or marginalize any group. This aligns with efforts to create literature that is more
universally accessible and respectful.

### 7. **Self-Reliance**
- **Explanation:** Rapunzel is often portrayed as **self-reliant**, using her
intelligence, courage, and resourcefulness to escape her predicament rather than
relying on external help.
- **Implication:** This term directly challenges the damsel-in-distress trope
common in earlier fairy tales, promoting the idea that individuals—particularly
women—are capable of solving their own problems.

---

### Commentary on These Terms:

The use of terms like **empowerment**, **equality**, and **partnership** in
the politically correct version reflects a clear departure from the traditional
patriarchal structure of fairy tales, aiming to reshape narratives to better align
with contemporary social values. While these adjustments make the story more
inclusive and relevant to modern audiences, they also soften the harsher
elements of the original, which was more focused on moral lessons tied to
obedience and punishment.

The terms emphasize personal agency and moral complexity, presenting

characters as multidimensional rather than one-dimensional archetypes of good
or evil. While these changes enrich character development and mirror a more
progressive worldview, they may lose some of the original’s stark cautionary
nature, where characters face consequences for their actions in a more absolute
moral framework.

By using **sensitive language**, the politically correct version seeks to avoid

perpetuating outdated stereotypes or reinforcing traditional gender roles, aiming
instead to foster inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives. However, critics
might argue that such sanitization of language can dilute the intensity and raw
emotion that originally made fairy tales such potent vehicles for conveying deep-
seated fears and desires.

Overall, these terms represent an evolution in storytelling, reflecting how societal

expectations have shifted from rigid moral instruction toward narratives that
encourage critical thinking, equality, and self-empowerment.

In politically correct versions of **"Rapunzel"**, justifications for character

behavior and plot developments are framed within more **nuanced, relatable,
and socially progressive perspectives**. Here’s how various elements are often
justified:

### 1. **The Witch’s Actions:**

- **Original Version:** The witch is depicted as a straightforward villain,
motivated by control and jealousy. She isolates Rapunzel out of a desire to keep
her for herself, acting as an archetypal "evil stepmother" figure.

- **Politically Correct Version:** The witch may be **reinterpreted as an

overprotective parental figure**. Her actions might be justified as those of
someone who fears the outside world and wants to shield Rapunzel from harm.
Instead of being purely malevolent, the witch could be portrayed as misguided,
making her motives more understandable, if not forgivable. This reframing
reflects modern ideas of parental control stemming from fear rather than evil.

**Justification:** Her desire to protect Rapunzel could be seen as a result of

trauma, overbearing care, or mistrust of society, making her a more sympathetic
character, though still flawed.

### 2. **Rapunzel’s Captivity:**

- **Original Version:** Rapunzel is passively kept in the tower with no choice in
the matter. She is helpless and submissive to her captor’s demands, symbolizing
lack of agency.

- **Politically Correct Version:** Rapunzel's captivity might be depicted as a form

of **overprotectiveness**, rather than pure imprisonment. Rapunzel is shown
gradually becoming aware of her own strength and making choices to take control
of her fate. This could include her decision to leave the tower, demonstrating a
journey toward self-realization and independence.

**Justification:** Rapunzel's confinement is often seen as symbolic of societal

expectations and pressures, particularly those imposed on women. By asserting
herself, she breaks free from these metaphorical and literal chains. This ties into
themes of self-discovery and the reclaiming of personal autonomy.
### 3. **Rapunzel’s Role in Her Escape:**
- **Original Version:** In the Grimms' version, Rapunzel is passive, relying on the
prince to rescue her. She only reveals their secret accidentally, which leads to
tragic consequences.

- **Politically Correct Version:** Rapunzel is often reimagined as **actively

contributing to her own escape**. Instead of waiting for the prince to rescue her,
she may come up with the plan herself or find ways to help facilitate their
freedom. This shift emphasizes her intelligence and strength, making her less of a
damsel in distress and more of an agent in her own story.

**Justification:** This reworking is meant to reflect modern ideas about

empowerment, where individuals, especially women, are encouraged to take
control of their circumstances. Rapunzel's independence is justified as a necessary
part of her character development, teaching readers that they have the power to
change their situations.

### 4. **The Prince’s Role:**

- **Original Version:** The prince is the archetypal hero who saves Rapunzel,
playing a dominant role in determining her fate.

- **Politically Correct Version:** The prince is **reframed as an equal partner**,

rather than the sole savior. In some versions, he might help Rapunzel escape, but
their relationship is built on mutual respect, and both contribute to overcoming
their challenges. Alternatively, Rapunzel may not even need a prince, and the
story could shift focus to her own journey.
 **Justification:** The shift is justified through a desire for balanced, equitable
relationships, where both partners are equally involved in problem-solving. This
reflects contemporary values of gender equality, moving away from the
traditional "hero rescues helpless woman" narrative.

### 5. **Romantic Elements:**

- **Original Version:** The romance between Rapunzel and the prince is central,
but it also leads to consequences (like Rapunzel’s pregnancy and the prince’s
blinding). This follows the moralistic tone of early fairy tales, where premarital
relations were often punished.

- **Politically Correct Version:** Romance is often **toned down** or framed in

a way that is more emotionally mature and consensual. Rapunzel’s relationship
with the prince is built on equality and mutual decision-making, with the story
focusing on emotional connection rather than a physical rescue. If Rapunzel
becomes pregnant, it may be portrayed without the heavy moral judgment
present in the original.

**Justification:** Modern versions often discard the punitive aspect of

romance, rejecting the moral judgment tied to sexual relations outside of
marriage. This reflects more progressive attitudes toward relationships,
emphasizing love, consent, and emotional connection rather than adhering to
older, restrictive social norms.

### 6. **Moral Ambiguity:**

- **Original Version:** The original story is morally black-and-white: the witch is
bad, Rapunzel is innocent, and the prince is good. The punishment and suffering
of the characters serve as clear consequences for their actions, according to early
19th-century values.
- **Politically Correct Version:** Characters in the politically correct version are
given more **moral complexity**. The witch may have reasons for her actions,
the prince may not be a perfect hero, and Rapunzel’s journey is more about
**personal growth** than punishment or reward.

**Justification:** This moral ambiguity is justified as a reflection of real life,

where motives are complex, and actions can have multiple interpretations. It
rejects the rigid moral framework of older tales, promoting critical thinking and
understanding of different perspectives.

### 7. **Parental Justification:**

- **Original Version:** Rapunzel’s parents in the Grimm version are desperate,
weak, and willing to sacrifice their daughter for their own needs, which reflects a
more traditional view of parents in fairy tales as flawed or morally ambiguous.

- **Politically Correct Version:** The parents’ actions, if included, may be

softened or recontextualized. They could be portrayed as making a hard choice
under pressure, perhaps to protect Rapunzel from a worse fate. The story may
offer more sympathy toward their plight, showing them as fallible but not
malicious.

**Justification:** This change reflects contemporary attitudes toward family

dynamics, where parents are often portrayed with more empathy. It recognizes
that parents can make mistakes while still caring deeply for their children,
emphasizing complexity in family relationships.

### Conclusion:
In politically correct versions of "Rapunzel," **justifications** for actions are
grounded in **modern values**, such as **empathy, complexity, and personal
growth**. Characters are no longer simply good or evil; they are motivated by
understandable desires and fears, making them more relatable. The story is
restructured to empower Rapunzel, shift away from traditional gender roles, and
offer moral lessons that align with contemporary ideas of self-determination and
equality. These justifications reflect a broader effort to align fairy tales with
progressive ideals, making them more inclusive and reflective of today’s societal
norms.