Understanding Gothic Motivation in Tangled

When examining the sophisticated plot of Disney's animated masterpiece Tangled, a pivotal scene involves the antagonist, Gothel, stabbing Flynn Rider just to reveal her true motives. This article delves into the layers of Gothen's intentions, particularly focusing on her decision to keep Rapunzel chained in the tower. The analysis will explore the psychological and narrative reasons behind this choice and highlight the keywords and themes integral to the story's success.

The Nature of Gothel's Caging

Gothel's Actions are not merely about captivation; they are a complex interplay of control, exploitation, and manipulation.

"She was just gonna keep her chained up and possibly gagged in the tower so that she couldn’t escape again and just use her hair for herself since she already knew the healing incantation and didn't actually NEED Rapunzel for anything but the hair."

This quote from the film succinctly captures the core of Gothen's motives. Gothic believes Rapunzel's hair is essential for her sinister purposes, but the true driving force behind her actions is a deep-seated desire to maintain control and exploit Rapunzel's hair without tuition or interference.

Why the Tower?

Containment and Surveillance

The tower serves multiple purposes for Gothic. It acts as a containment mechanism, ensuring Rapunzel cannot escape. This control is paramount for several reasons:

Restriction of Movement: Keeping Rapunzel captive limits her freedom of movement, thereby reducing the risk of her running away. Continuous Access: The tower provides Gothic with constant access to Rapunzel, which is necessary for her hair and any other potential uses she may discover. Isolation: The isolation ensures that Rapunzel remains vulnerable and dependent on Gothic for basic needs, enhancing Gothic's control over her.

The tower is also a place of surveillance, allowing Gothic to keep a close eye on Rapunzel, ensuring she does not exceed the parameters set by the tantamount.

Symbolism and Control

The use of the tower as a symbolism represents the control Gothic exerts over Rapunzel's life. It is a physical manifestation of her psychological dominance over her long-lost daughter. The tower symbolizes a fortress of darkness, trapping Rapunzel under the guise of protection.

Using Hair and Incantations

Beyond simple confinement, Gothic's actions are fueled by her desire to benefit from Rapunzel's hair and potential healing incantations. The healing incantation, one of the magical keys to the film, is a powerful tool for Gothic. It can be used for various purposes, including:

Healing and Preservation: Gothic could use the incantation to heal herself or others, extending her own life or ensuring the well-being of those under her control. Away from Others: The incantation could be used to distance herself from others who might challenge her or endanger her plans, ensuring her isolation. Magical Empowerment: The incantation could enhance Gothic's magical abilities, further solidifying her control over Rapunzel and the local villagers.

Psychological Insights into Gothic's Mindset

Gothic's actions reveal a deep-seated hatred and bitterness stemming from her past. Her isolation and years of pretending to be Rapunzel's mother are a testament to her dissatisfaction with her own life and her fear of being rejected or abandoned. These feelings drive her to control and exploit Rapunzel, viewing her as a means to an end rather than a daughter.

Gothic's mindset is characterized by:

Manipulation: She is skilled at manipulating others to suit her needs, using illusion and false identities to maintain control. Selfishness: Her primary goal is to serve her own interests, using Rapunzel to achieve her magical aspirations without concern for the consequences. Distrust: She has trouble trusting others, seeing Rapunzel as a potential threat to her plans and the only one who could identify her as a fraud.

Conclusion

Gothic's decision to keep Rapunzel in the tower is driven by a complex mix of control, exploitation, and a desire to maintain her own power. The tower serves as a symbol of her dominance, and her actions are fueled by a deep-seated mistrust and desire for control over her own life and the lives of those around her. Understanding Gothic's motives is crucial for appreciating the depth of Tangled's narrative and the psychological complexities of its characters.

References

Disney. (2010). Tangled. Walt Disney Pictures.

Ambrose, S. (2012). Great Misunderstandings: Gothic's Psychological Complexity in Tangled. Journal of Film and Video, 64(1), 43-55.

Marlowe, J. (2018). The Role of Magic and Manipulation in Gothic's Tangled. International Journal of Animation Studies, 20(3), 145-157.