The strongest, and perhaps most reflective, representation of the domineering maternal figure is exhibited through the Witch’s character. The witch is involved with every main character in the story as an antagonist. It is a very unique choice to make the Witch both the most maternal figure in the play and the antagonist. While it follows most fairy tales in this way, Sondheim seems to have modeled her explicitly with his view of his own mother. The Witch and her daughter, Rapunzel - “the fruit of an Illicit Union with a roving neighbor who abandoned her” - have such a significant arc in their relationship from beginning to end. Rapunzel’s voice would be heard singing at odd times throughout the show and the Witch, who would be present on
