RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE by Shannon and Dean Hale

Bibliography

Hale, Shannon and Dean. 2008. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. By Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781599902883

Plot Summary

Rapunzel grows up a privileged if not sheltered life in a villa with her mother, Gothel. When Rapunzel one day climbs the wall of the villa, she learns the truth. The woman she thought was her mother is an evil witch and her real mother is a slave. Gothel locks Rapunzel up in a tree for four years. Rapunzel escapes and goes on a mission to save her real mother and put an end to Gothel’s reign. With a little help from a new friend, Jack, she helps a lot of people suppressed by Gothel along the way.

Critical Analysis

-          Characters

The main characters, Rapunzel and Jack, are multidimensional and the reader roots for them through each of their trials. They are funny and charming. Rapunzel starts out as a clueless girl who has lived a sheltered life. She is not sure of herself or others around her. As the story progresses, she learns to trust others and trust in her own abilities. Jack on the other hand, learns the difference between right and wrong. He is used to stealing to survive, but when he joins forces with Rapunzel, he learns that he can earn his way instead of just taking what he wants/needs. They both slowly become friends and develop feelings for each other.

-          Plot

The plot is rather straight forward. Rapunzel has to make her way back to Gothel’s villa in order to save her mother. Along the way, Rapunzel and Jack find themselves in other difficult situations either to stop wrongdoings or to help others in trouble. This is where the plot twists and turns. It keeps the reader entertained and involved in the story from beginning to end.

-          Setting

Most of the setting seems to be in the old west. Rapunzel and Jack ride horses through the desert and visit small towns. There are gunslingers and lassos. Rapunzel’s outfits range from a peasant girl with stockings, to a cowgirl with fringe to a southern bell dress. Even the dialogue has a southern twist to it.

-          Theme

The theme of the story is about believing in oneself and trusting others. Rapunzel is unsure of herself in the beginning, but she knows that she has to do the right thing. As the story progresses, she learns that she has to trust Jack even though he is not the most reliable, trustworthy person. Also, she starts to trust herself and what she is capable of. She can lasso bad guys, snap away their guns, and overcome the most powerful witch in their world.

-          Style

The author’s style is fun and engaging. Throughout the book, there is humor even though the underlying situation is tragic. Gothel has surprised an entire country, and Rapunzel and Jack are on their way to stop her. They see the mistreatment and the destitute the surrounding towns have experienced, and yet they keep their sense of humor. This keeps the reader interested and engaged. Also, there is a western style throughout the book. This can be seen in the illustrations, the dialogue, and the narrative.

-          Illustrations

The illustrations are colorful and engaging. A lot of them depict the countryside more than the characters. The characters are drawn as if seen from a distance. There are however times when the frame is drawn with a close up of the character’s faces. Since these moments are rare, the details and the emotion depicted in them are powerful. This is a testament to the skill and talent of the illustrator.

Review Excerpts

*Positive Review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

*Positive Review from BOOKLIST

Connections

A good connection would be to explore other fairytales such as Jack and the Beanstalk and the original Rapunzel. This would provide background knowledge for the graphic novel. Also, children could make their own wanted posters of themselves or of other relatives just like the wanted posters of Rapunzel.