In the poem, ‘Amanda’ by Robin Klein, the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel is an interesting and creative way to express the speaker’s feelings towards the girl, Amanda. By referencing the fairytale character, the poet adds depth and richness to the poem, making it more engaging for readers.
- Rapunzel is a character from a classic fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. She is a beautiful young girl with long, flowing hair, who is locked away in a tall tower by an evil witch. Her hair is so long that it can be used as a rope for her prince to climb up and rescue her.
- The story symbolizes innocence, captivity, and the power of love and hope.
In ‘Amanda,’ the poet is speaking to a girl who seems to be daydreaming and lost in her thoughts. By alluding to Rapunzel, the poet suggests that Amanda is longing for something more in her life, much like Rapunzel, who dreams of escaping her tower and experiencing freedom. The reference also highlights Amanda’s innocence and vulnerability, as she is trapped in her own world and possibly feels confined by her current situation.
Additionally, the allusion to Rapunzel serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and dreams. Just as Rapunzel dreams of a better life and eventually finds it, Amanda may also be using her daydreams as a means to cope with her reality and hope for a brighter future. In this way, the poet encourages readers to empathize with Amanda and her struggles.
- The allusion connects with the readers and encourages them to reflect on themes such as innocence, captivity, and the power of imagination.
In conclusion, the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel in ‘Amanda’ adds depth and meaning to the poem, helping to convey the emotions and experiences of the titular character. By drawing on this familiar fairytale, the poet connects with the readers and encourages them to reflect on themes such as innocence, captivity, and the power of imagination.
FACT: The fairytale of Rapunzel was first published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812 as part of their collection ‘Children’s and Household Tales‘.