Ladders, Walls, and Freedom

Rapunzel

This flow uses the tale’s physical barriers and routes to trace the difference between access granted by others and escape chosen by Rapunzel.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Garden Wall The Garden Wall from "Rapunzel". The Garden Wall A Boundary of Ownership The wall surrounds the garden and deters everyone nearby.

The Garden Wall A Boundary of Ownership The wall surrounds the garden and deters everyone nearby. It marks the division between the couple’s home and the enchantress’s abundance. A Risky Crossing The husband climbs over when his wife’s distress seems unbearable. Crossing the boundary begins a chain in which access always carries a price.

The Tower’s Closed Sides The Tower’s Closed Sides from "Rapunzel". The Tower’s Closed Sides A Barrier Made for One Person The tower has no stairs or door, and only a small window high above the ground.

The Tower’s Closed Sides from "Rapunzel". The Tower’s Closed Sides A Barrier Made for One Person The tower has no stairs or door, and only a small window high above the ground.

The Tower’s Closed Sides A Barrier Made for One Person The tower has no stairs or door, and only a small window high above the ground. Rapunzel’s enclosure is more complete than the garden wall because it restricts her own movement. Dependence Built In The structure makes departure impossible by ordinary means. It forces Rapunzel to rely on access that Mãe Gothel controls.

Hair as an Upward Route Hair as an Upward Route from "Rapunzel". Hair as an Upward Route Entry from Below Rapunzel lowers her braids at Mãe Gothel’s call, and the enchantress climbs.

Hair as an Upward Route from "Rapunzel". Hair as an Upward Route Entry from Below Rapunzel lowers her braids at Mãe Gothel’s call, and the enchantress climbs.

Hair as an Upward Route Entry from Below Rapunzel lowers her braids at Mãe Gothel’s call, and the enchantress climbs. The route solves the problem of reaching the window from outside. Access Without Escape The ladder enables entry but does not let Rapunzel descend safely. A passage can connect two people while still preserving confinement.

Silk as a Chosen Exit Silk as a Chosen Exit from "Rapunzel". Silk as a Chosen Exit Designing a Different Route Rapunzel asks the visitor to bring silk so she can weave a ladder.

Silk as a Chosen Exit from "Rapunzel". Silk as a Chosen Exit Designing a Different Route Rapunzel asks the visitor to bring silk so she can weave a ladder.

Silk as a Chosen Exit Designing a Different Route Rapunzel asks the visitor to bring silk so she can weave a ladder. Unlike her braids, this route is intended for her to use in descending. Agency in Preparation The plan gives Rapunzel a role in making her escape possible. Its failure after discovery shows how vulnerable a chosen path is when another person controls the enclosure.

Leaving by Reunion Leaving by Reunion from "Rapunzel". Leaving by Reunion No Tower to Escape The couple meets in the open desert after years apart.

Leaving by Reunion No Tower to Escape The couple meets in the open desert after years apart. Their movement no longer depends on the hair ladder or access to a guarded window. A Shared Destination With sight restored, they return with the twins to the kingdom. The ending replaces secret routes with an open journey and a home they can share.

Before the husband’s first theft

When Mãe Gothel confines Rapunzel at age twelve

During the tower years

During the couple’s secret meetings

After the blind wanderer reaches Rapunzel in the desert