The Golden Braid

  6. Why did Sir Gerek not want to marry a peasant? Do you think he had a good reason for wanting to marry someone wealthy?

  7. Why did Rapunzel want to get a job in town?

  8. Why do you think Gothel told Rapunzel it was “indecent” to show her hair and forced her to cover it? Are there any parallels to “rules” people followed through history? Can you think of any parallels to certain “rules” of propriety some people follow today?

  9. Do you think Rapunzel was justified in leaving Gothel without telling her she was leaving or where she was going? At what age should a young woman be able to make her own decisions and live on her own?

  10. What happened when Balthasar broke through the door and threatened Rapunzel? Do you think God would forgive her for killing Balthasar? Why?

  11. When Rapunzel was trapped in the tower, what did she say about who she would—and wouldn’t—sing for, and why? How do you keep hope alive when you’ve prayed for something a long time but still have not received it?

  12. Do you understand why Rapunzel forgave Gothel in the end? What did she say was her reason? Do you think Gerek forgave his brother Mennek for how he treated him when they were boys? Have you ever forgiven someone who hurt you very deeply?

  About the Author

  Melanie Dickerson is a two-time Christy Award finalist and author of The Healer’s Apprentice, winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award for Best First Book in 2010, and The Merchant’s Daughter, winner of the 2012 Carol Award. She spends her time writing romantic medieval stories at her home near Huntsville, Alabama, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.

  Website: www.MelanieDickerson.com

  Twitter: @melanieauthor

  Facebook: MelanieDickersonBooks