Talk:Mother Gothel/@comment-8272034-20130416153431

I find Gothel an interesting character. Where old fashioned Disney movie villains (Snow White/Cinderella) were one-dimensional and had one major motive to ruin the princesses, Gothel was multi-dimensional and we see different motives coming into play.

Gothel has a fear of death, and kept the flower for herself to keep herself alive (even though Eugene made it out to be that Gothel was vain), and wanted only a piece of Rapunzel's hair. When it turned brown, Gothel panicked and did the only thing she could think of - kidnap Rapunzel.

I did notice that when Gothel speaks Rapunzel's name, it usually has a negative connotation to it (Rapunzel, never ask to leave this tower again) and (Enough of the lights Rapunzel! You are not leaving this tower, ever!)

Even though Gothel was over-controlling and manipulative (Mother Knows Best allows Gothel to manipulate Rapunzel into thinking the world is a dark place), I do believe she cared for Rapunzel, even a little bit. She could have raised Rapunzel as a slave (the chores don't count- everyone has them), but she didn't -she gave Rapunzel the freedom to do what she wanted, provided she stay in the tower. There's evidence that Gothel taught Rapunzel how to cook, to clean, to read, to walk and talk, all of those life lessons.

It's also interesting that Rapunzel is so full of love despite having someone like Gothel. Gothel raised Rapunzel in a loving home, and Rapunzel's kindness and acceptance shows through that. Kindness isn't a genetic trait, it's very much environmental. You could have the world's nicest parents, but while the brain is developing, you could be brainwashed into being cruel.

Rapunzel fighting Gothel when she finds out she is the Lost Princess is a sign of "You're someone I thought I could trust, and you betrayed me." She was so hurt by Gothel's actions that she mistook it for hate, but it was clear she still loved Gothel when she reached out.

Despite all this, Rapunzel adapted very quickly to the idea of her parents and the fact she's a princess and Gothel is pretty much forgotten.

But Gothel is probably my favourite Disney villain, after Scar and tied with Jafar.