"The Superficiality of Mankind in Tangled"

Savannah Price

Published in Dalton State College's Exemplar

"The Superficiality of Mankind in Tangled"

Byron Howard and Nathan Greno’s 2010 animated film Tangled may seem like a simple children’s movie with no significance, a simple story with cute songs and a long-lost princess. In contrast, the themes in Tangled are important for individuals of every age to reflect on as the film speaks to the superficiality of mankind. Furthermore, the film shows viewers that things are not always what they seem, and Tangled highlights these false identities and contrasts them with Rapunzel’s unashamed individuality. Mother Gothel, Rapunzel’s kidnapper, is one of the first superficial characters portrayed in the film. Gothel does not only hide her gray hair, wrinkles, and age behind the rejuvenation Rapunzel’s magical hair provides her, but she also hides her true character, which is just as decrepit as her physical state. In addition, Flynn Rider, a swashbuckler who finds himself in Rapunzel’s tower, hides his true identity, Eugene Fitzherbert, which is much less selfish and arrogant than his feigned identity as Flynn. One of the most humorous and eye-opening superficial encounters is at the seemingly friendly diner, The Snuggly Duckling, where a hoard of big, scary men reveal their true, not so alarming personalities. And, lastly, Rapunzel, who exhibits no superficial traits, serves as an example of individuality, even when her identity is not what she thought. While Tangled may seem like an insignificant children’s movie, the film actually portrays the superficiality of mankind as a result of societal pressures as seen in Mother Gothel, Flynn Rider, and the men at The Snuggly Duckling, which contrasts with Rapunzel’s acceptance of her true self as she is isolated from the pressures to conform herself to fit into society.

Gothel is undeniably the most selfish character in Tangled, yet she manipulates her appearance and personality in a way that portrays her as a loving, overprotective mother to Rapunzel. The audience knows that Gothel is responsible for kidnapping Rapunzel and holding her hostage in an isolated tower for her own selfish needs, yet Gothel continuously warns Rapunzel of the dangers of the “scary world” (13:32). Therefore, Gothel tries excessively hard to hide her true nature from Rapunzel, though her selfish, rude remarks often slip through the cracks of the fortress she has built around her despicable personality. For example, when Gothel pulls Rapunzel to look at their reflections in a mirror, Gothel states: “Rapunzel, look in that mirror… I see a strong, confident, beautiful young lady. Oh look, you’re here too” (10:54). Gothel often attempts to shade these remarks by saying she is just kidding, but it is obvious to viewers that Gothel is doing her best to keep Rapunzel, Gothel’s source of eternal youth, out of suspicion of her true vain character. In one instance, Gothel complains about Rapunzel’s mumbling, saying “[i]t’s very annoying” (12:01). Gothel quickly regroups, cupping Rapunzel’s face and stating, “I’m just teasing you’re adorable. I love you so much, darling” (12:01-4). At this point in the film, Gothel’s actions seem solely narcissistic, but things quickly escalate when Rapunzel escapes from her captivity with the help of Flynn Rider. In order to retain her eternal youth, Gothel seeks the help of two of Flynn’s ex-partners and sets them up to attack Rapunzel so that she can paint herself as the hero and prove her earlier, exaggerated accusations of the reality of the world outside of the tower: “I tried to warn you what was out there. The world is dark and selfish and cruel” (1:15:34-38). In reality, the audience knows that Gothel is the one who is “dark and selfish and cruel” (1:15:38). Though Gothel is the most extreme example of a superficiality in Tangled, many other characters also mask their true identity.

The Snuggly Duckling looks cute and quaint from the outside, but upon entering, Rapunzel quickly realizes that it is full of exactly what Mother Gothel warned her about, thugs and ruffians. After Rapunzel prompts the ruffians with a question, “Haven’t any of you ever had a dream?” (38:55). Rapunzel and Flynn realize that they should not assume based on appearances as the seemingly intimidating men show their much warmer and humane personalities under the rugged exterior illusion that they have created. For example, one man with a hook for a hand, who refers to himself as “malicious, mean, and scary” (39:21), reveals that “despite [his] evil look, temper, and hook, [he] has always yearned to be a concert pianist” (39:28-35). After he reveals his dream that was “way down deep inside” (39:51), his ruffian friends all join in, revealing their true selves and challenging the stereotypes that have been impended onto them. In another instance, a ruffian who is insecure about the way he looks, asserts that he “really want[s] to make a love connection” (40:24). Several other ruffians express their dreams, some aspiring to become “a florist” (40:56), “an interior design[er]” (40:59), and a “mime” (41:02) among many of the other hobbies and dreams expressed in this scene. The overall message of The Snuggly Duckling and the thugs inside is to show Tangled’s audience that people should not be judged for their “disgusting” (40:34) or “malicious” (39:21) appearances and that even these people can have normal dreams. Near the end of Flynn and Rapunzel’s encounter at The Snuggly Duckling, the ruffians exclaim, “Our difference isn’t really that extreme,” which sums up the focus and point of the entire scene (41:58). The Snuggly Duckling and the seemingly scary men inside are a prime example of the superficiality of mankind, and they urge Flynn to consider his own superficial traits.

Flynn Rider, whose real name is Eugene Fitzherbert, creates an arrogant, self-absorbed, greedy, and superficial persona for himself, yet after he meets Rapunzel, his true humorous and caring identity is revealed. Before this happens though, Flynn hides behind his fake name, feigned personality, and desire for money. For example, when asked what his dream is while at The Snuggly Duckling, Flynn leaves even the thugs unimpressed by explaining that his dream is “on an island that [he] own[s] tanned and rested and alone. Surrounded by enormous piles of money (41:32-8). One ruffian even tells him that his “dream sucks” (43:05). Flynn’s personality changes soon after though, as he and Rapunzel are trapped in a cavern that is slowly filling with water. When Rapunzel begins to cry with guilt for getting the two trapped, Flynn admits his real name, which is the first time Flynn begins to let his superficial wall down: “My real name is Eugene Fitzherbert” (49:20). In addition, he asserts that “Someone may as well know,” suggesting that he has never told anyone about this part of his life that he has tried so hard to keep hidden (49:25). After they are finally freed from the cavern, Rapunzel prompts him to share more about his life, which he refers to as a “sob story” as he was an “orphan” (54:45-8). After explaining he stole the name from a ruch, brave swashbuckler that he had read about named “Flynnigan Ryder,” it is clear that Flynn chose the name of a character he had dreamed of becoming as an orphaned child (55:03). As he puts it, “for a kid with nothing… it just seemed like the better option” (55:26-9). From this scene, the audience learns a lot about Flynn’s past, seeing beyond the superficial Flynn and into his true identity as Eugene. By the end of the film, Flynn has made some major changes and realizations in his life. For example, he admits that he spent “[a]ll those years living in a blur… never truly seeing the things the way they really were” (1:09:02-12). In addition, after some prompting by Rapunzel, Flynn leaves behind his feigned identity and “start[s] going by Eugene again, stop[s] thieving, and basically turn[s] it all around” (1:30:43-5). Flynn’s character is one of the most likable characters throughout the film, but especially by the end of the film as he overcomes the hardships of his orphaned life and finally comes to accept his true identity as Eugene.

Rapunzel, who is the only character unaware of her own identity, is ironically secure and confident with herself and her dreams. After all, the whole film surrounds a dream that she brings to life despite all of the hardships and misfortunes that stand in her way. Unlike the typical Disney princesses, Rapunzel’s goal is not romantic. Instead, her dream is “to see the floating lanterns gleam,” and she stops at nothing until she realizes this dream (41:44). Through Rapunzel’s dedication to her dream and herself, she encourages those around her to leave behind the superficial walls they have built and return to their true identities. For example, she prompts the ruffians at The Snuggly Duckling to let down their “malicious” (39:21) exteriors and express their deepest dreams by telling them to “find [their] humanity” (38:51). Not only does Rapunzel’s prompting soften the thugs at The Snuggly Duckling, but it also shows the audience a valuable lesson not to judge based off of appearances. In another instance, Rapunzel succeeds in revealing the true identity of Flynn, who would have undoubtedly remained the same greedy, swashbuckling thief had he not found himself hiding out in Rapunzel’s tower. Rapunzel gently guides Flynn back to himself by showing him the beauties of the world that he had not noticed before as Rapunzel finds beauty in every part of the village because she has never been outside of her tower. For instance, even though Rapunzel sticks out in the village in her too small dress and bare feet, she is still successful in igniting the whole village in a dance. For Flynn, this new way of looking at thing allows him to leave behind his greedy ways and enjoy the little things. In addition, the fact that Rapunzel was isolated from society offers significance that she is the only character who does not pretend to be someone else, suggesting that Greno and Howard feel that society pressures people to pretend to be someone they are not. Therefore, Rapunzel is a pivotal character, who finally realizes her true identity as the lost princess after helping so many others actualize their own.

Without a doubt, Tangled is a powerful movie with an essential message about the superficiality of mankind, prompting its audience to consider their own superficial characteristics and return to their true identities. Mother Gothel encapsulates a greedy, manipulative character who imprisons a young girl for her own selfish needs, and her rotten superficiality is just as putrid as her interior. In contrast, the men of The Snuggly Duckling seem barbarous on the surface but reveal that they are actually normal people with normal dreams. Similarly, Flynn Rider is an orphan who has created an ideal identity for himself, but with Rapunzel’s influence, he realizes that just being himself is more than ideal. Lastly, Rapunzel, who soon realizes her identity as the lost princess, understands that being herself is enough as she has not been pressured by society to be someone else. After seeing the lanterns, Rapunzel says something that sums up the entirety of the movie: “I’m not scared anymore” (1:08:43). Tangled shows viewers that being themselves is not something that they should be afraid of and that leaving behind your superficiality will only improve your life.

Works Cited

Greno, Nathan, and Byron Howard. Tangled. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2010.