Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anne Sexton’s "Rapunzel" presents a complex and evocative retelling of the classic fairy tale, intertwined with themes of love, possession, and the painful passage of time. The poem explores the intense, almost suffocating bond between Rapunzel and Mother Gothel, and the eventual liberation that comes through the intervention of the prince. Sexton’s narrative is imbued with rich imagery, symbolism, and a deep understanding of the psychological undercurrents that drive the story.

At the heart of the poem is the relationship between Rapunzel and Mother Gothel, which Sexton portrays with a mix of tenderness and control. Mother Gothel, in her obsessive love, locks Rapunzel away in a tower, ensuring that no one else can see or touch her. This act of possession is both protective and destructive, as it isolates Rapunzel from the world and stunts her growth as an individual. The refrain "Hold me, my young dear, hold me" captures the desperate need for connection that drives Mother Gothel, as well as the suffocating nature of their bond.

The tower itself is a powerful symbol in the poem, representing the confinement and isolation that Rapunzel experiences. It is described as "stone-cold" and "as cold as a museum," emphasizing the lifelessness and sterility of Rapunzel’s existence within its walls. The only way in or out is through Rapunzel’s hair, which becomes a lifeline for both her and Mother Gothel. The hair is described in vivid terms—"as yellow as a dandelion" and "as strong as a dog leash"—underscoring its significance as both a symbol of Rapunzel’s beauty and a tool of her captivity.

The introduction of the prince marks a turning point in the poem, as he offers Rapunzel a way out of her confinement. However, Sexton does not present the prince as a simple hero; instead, she emphasizes Rapunzel’s initial confusion and mistrust of this strange, masculine figure. The prince is described in almost animalistic terms, with "muscles on his arms like a bag of snakes" and "moss on his legs." This description highlights the stark contrast between the sheltered, feminine world of the tower and the rugged, masculine world outside. Despite this, the prince’s persistence and the emotional connection they form ultimately lead to Rapunzel’s liberation.

Sexton’s retelling of the story does not shy away from the darker elements of the original fairy tale. Mother Gothel’s discovery of the lovers’ plan leads to a violent punishment: she cuts off Rapunzel’s hair and banishes her to the forest. The image of the prince flinging himself from the tower and being blinded by thorns is both brutal and poignant, symbolizing the pain and sacrifice that often accompany love and freedom. However, in true fairy tale fashion, the story ends with a miraculous healing, as Rapunzel’s tears restore the prince’s sight, and they are finally able to live "happily as you might expect."

Throughout the poem, Sexton weaves in themes of duality and the inevitable passage of time. The repetition of the phrase "a woman who loves a woman is forever young" suggests a longing for the eternal, unchanging nature of such love, yet the poem ultimately acknowledges that this kind of possessive, maternal love must be outgrown. The final lines, which describe Mother Gothel’s heart shrinking "to the size of a pin," convey the tragedy of a love that cannot let go and the loneliness that follows. The image of moonlight sifting into her mouth as she dreams of Rapunzel’s hair is haunting, evoking a sense of loss and longing for what can never be reclaimed.

Sexton’s "Rapunzel" is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged poem that delves into the complexities of love, possession, and the struggle for independence. By reimagining the fairy tale through a contemporary lens, Sexton brings to light the psychological tensions that underpin the story, offering a nuanced exploration of the ways in which we seek to hold on to those we love, even as we must eventually let them go.

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