How the Little Mermaid is Crucial to the Symbolization of What Many Endure for the Acceptance of Society in Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”
Many are not familiar with the written story of “The Little Mermaid” but plenty of people would recognize the film version created by Disney film studios. While there are some differences in plot, the personalities of the young girls from the two versions come out as practically identical. These adventurous young women crave the need to know more about a life that they have never experienced before in their entire life. Yet throughout both versions, a consistent concept appears that identifies as one of meanings of the term monster. Anyone seen as even remotely different from what most people
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In the story, it says, “Her skin was a clear and delicate as the petals of a rose, her eyes as blue as the sea in its greatest depths” and then continues to describe her as “but she also, like the others, had no legs-her body ended in a fish tail” (Andersen 92). The author begins to turn the wheels of imagination in the audiences’ mind by outlining the appearance of the little mermaid. Some have a hard time imagining anyone that does not resemble them which the author tries to achieve when he describes the character as inhuman. If that someone or something does not remind one of normal traits, people automatically think of them as weird, abnormal, or even disgusting. The little mermaid understands that humans would never accept her without two legs and two feet. Many people even go through great lengths to change their physical appearance like the little mermaid because they want other people to see them differently and accept them. Accordingly, the little mermaid’s personal characteristics parallel to idea behind her physical characteristics. The story says, “She longed more and more to be able to live among them, for their world seemed to her so much larger than hers” (Andersen 100). The young mermaid’s curiosity about the humans grows and she longs to know the mysteries of the surface and land. The character wants the acceptance of the people on land because the little …show more content…
Denotation means the literal or primary meaning of a word like a dictionary definition. The term monster has a description of a figure seen as unique or peculiar that strives for the acceptance of society but most of the time experiences more rejection for its differences. The little mermaid’s grandmother makes a comment of, “What is beautiful here below, your fish tail, they consider ugly on earth” and she goes on to tell the little mermaid that “Up there one must have two clumsy limbs, which they call legs, in order to be beautiful” (Andersen 101). No one enjoys the idea of being ugly and the little mermaid reacts the same way that anyone else would by wanting to change her appearance so she will be considered beautiful by those who are considered normal. Society has certain standards people need to meet before they are considered normal and if anything does not meet those standards then they are not considered human or normal. Monsters fall under that definition where they do not meet those expectations so they can never be normal just like the little mermaid. No matter what the little mermaid or other monsters do, the perception people have of them does not deviate from anything other than abnormal. “Normal” people shun those who are different because they believe that they are better than the strange ones. Consequently, the
There are a number of fairytales, either from Grimm’s Brothers or Hans Christian Anderson, that portray numerous social issues that we still face in modern days. Social issues could include racism, equality between men and women, and ethnocentrism. These are social problems we face daily, and we have yet found solutions to eliminate\ the plentiful social issues. As said, fairy tales and children’s book always show hidden messages on problems that humans face every day. A very famous short story, which is known also by its movie, has an abundance in social issues that people face to this day. This short story is called “The Little Mermaid”, by Hans Christian
Finding a single interpretation of the word monsters is very challenging because of the numerous forms, ranging from folk stories to current movies and books.
In the story, “The Little Mermaid” there are demonstrations that describe what a heroine is. A female character that is noted for special achievements represents the heroine in a story. Therefore, the youngest mermaid “Little Mermaid” represents the heroine throughout the story. The Little Mermaid is a mystical creature that longs only to seek the handsome prince she laid eyes on. “Once she became human, the witch said she could never become a mermaid again” (Anderesens 185). This is an example of how the Little Mermaid chose to do something incredible and dangerous just to accomplish something she only dreamt of. Not only is the Little Mermaid the heroine of the story, but she also exemplifies other archetypal characteristics. An
The outcome of this failure to embrace the natural and diverse beauty possessed by all women is widespread discontent and wounded self-esteem as these individuals pursue social acceptance and understanding. Due to The Little Mermaid's inability to showcase the fullest capacity of women to pursue accomplishments beyond the attainment of romantic love and domestic tranquility, to embrace the uniqueness of the individual both intellectually and anatomically, and to encourage the formation of identity unrelated to what is traditionally found attractive to men, the film presents a problematic character model for its target audience and negatively influences the identities of children in developmental stages; moreover, the film subliminally pressures young women to conform to an unrealistic and discriminatory standard of beauty set by male creators who lack an understanding of the feminine
Those are the similarities and differences on how the little mermaid attained her
The Little Mermaid is an example of how woman were seen in society. In the fairy tale, women are characterized by appearance rather than personality by both men and women. The little mermaid mentions “But if you take my voice, what shall I have left?” (Anderson 226). In this quote, the little mermaid believes that she cannot just be herself to win the prince’s heart. The prince also looks at women the same way because of how he talks to the little mermaid. He asks her, “You’ve no fear of the sea, have you, my dumb child?” (Anderson 229). He treats her as if she is still a small child just because she cannot speak. The tone helps shape the whole story into a feminist piece. Anderson relays the moral of
In the film The Little Mermaid by John Musker and Ron Clements, a theme that continually portrays itself is how woman are seen in society. In this film, women are defined by their appearance instead of their inner-self or personality by men and women. It also displays that woman are not treated fair. This is expressed in the film through multiple song lyrics and scenes. Ariel, the little mermaid, experiences many occasions where woman in a society are seen differently than men. In the film, Ariel was given an option to live under the sea and live life under the rule of her father, or be on land with her Prince Eric. Although this is clearly not laid out, a man figure is always above Ariel and could convey an idea that
It all started off with a major hit called, “The Little Mermaid”, Disney made a different version of this but it was originally made by, Hans Christian Anderson, he was a Danish fairytale writer who first write the tale in 1837, but later on in 1989 Disney came out with their version similar but very different at the same time from Hans. In a review from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, Roger Ebert says, “Walt Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is a jolly and inventive animated fantasy - a movie that's so creative and so much fun it deserves comparison with the best Disney work of the past”. The movie is about a young mermaid who is a princess down in the ocean but wishes more than anything to be like us, human. To know what it feels like to walk
In the original version The Little Mermaid, longing for the prince and an eternal soul, eventually visits the Sea Witch, who sells her a potion that gives her legs, in exchange for her tongue. The Sea Witch cuts her tongue and warns her that once she becomes a human, she will never be able to return to the sea. Drinking the potion made out of snakes and
Many people can easily recognize the story of The Little Mermaid. After its international success through the Disney movie in 1989 children and adults all over the world were able to fantasize freely about this princess fairytale. However, what many people don’t know is that the debut of the movie The Little Mermaid is not the original plot of the story following Princess Ariel. Born in Denmark, Hans Christian Anderson wrote over 40 stories which have now greatly influences modern day disney films. The original literary piece written about a mermaid princess was written in 1836 which is said to be the inspiration behind the disney movie, The Little Mermaid portraying the character of a young mermaid circling through the challenges of love.
Many believe that Ariel is a bad role model for children, especially young girls who look up to Disney Princesses. Many of these people believe that she changed her body for a man, and that no young girl should be taught to do the same. Many people think that the little mermaid is one of the least feminist princesses created by the Disney company, but unfortunately, these views are incorrect, and have weak supporting evidence. Ariel was anything but an anti-feminist, and actually was an advocate for women’s and mer-people’s rights. The little mermaid is the youngest (only sixteen at the time) in her family. While she may be little, but she made a big impact in her world, and is still making an impact on the world around us today.
From the moment the world introduced us to television, we have been bombarded with images of fantasy and “happily ever after’s.” Perhaps the most well known corrupter of reality lies within the Disney franchise. Disney’s, The Little Mermaid, follows a typical fairy tale format in which all goals and dreams are achieved. Its counterpart, however, moves to the beat of a different drum. Hans Christian Andersen’s, The Little Mermaid, portrays a more serious plot much different from Disney’s loveable adaptation. One may conclude that the most these two stories have in common is their titles, but a deeper theme runs throughout both of these fictional plots. Despite these two stories’ conflicting agendas and the
The Little Mermaid is a story about a young girl who is not afraid of trying new things because she is willing to get out of her comfort zone to try new things. There is this specific quote that say the following; “Children have got to be free to lead their own lives.” (Korman, Cuddy 1994) The life lesson here is that we must not be afraid to try new things so that good things can happen in our life’s. One must not be afraid of new changes and must be willing to adapt to new and unknown situations. The Little Mermaid was not afraid however there was the situation that her father would now allow her to leave the sea which was there home and were he would be able to keep her safe. That would not stop her from going out of her comfort zone and wanting to try new things. Many of us especially adults will give in to being comfortable with what we have and will not want to go out and try new things. Life is full of adventures and I believe that we have to be more like the younger children and be willing to try new things because if we don’t then we will never leave that comfort zone to be able to move on with our lives. I will finish with this quote which
Hans Christian Andersen’s story, “The Little Mermaid” talks about a girl who saves a young man from drowning and falls in love with him, and she later learns that the young man she saved was a prince. In this world women believe that they are not capable of doing nothing or being nothing without a man in their lives. Disney’s film, “The Little Mermaid”, by Ron Clements and John Musker, present a version that makes an appearance for children, so it is harder to catch on where a woman needs a man in her life whether it is her father or a husband. In the Disney film the director makes the mermaid (Ariel) look so vulnerable and weak for a young woman. Women now these days say that they were made to believe that they have to depend on a man because they will not make it without them. In the story the author made it seem like all women cannot do want they want or that they are limited to do and say certain things because they are women. Women grow up to believe and to think that they need a man because that is how many men and society made women and young girls look like. So, part of this faulting it the men because they beliefs are that women cannot do what they do or that women and young girls belong at home to behave right and look pretty for the men. Andersen is a good example of Feminist and Gender criticism because women should believe that they can make it without having to rely on a man. Women should start believing that they are as equal as a man whether it’s at a job, relationship, at home, and in society because we are not meant to be looked at as a fragile and weak woman, we are supposed to show everyone that women should be equal to men on all types of levels. Andersen examines representation of gender, dependence, and cultural stability to explore notions of equality in gender.
When first reading “The Little Mermaid”, the reader is sure to notice the imagery painted by Anderson. He finds a way to make a place we see as dark and abysmal, the sea floor, seem bright, vibrant, and full of joy. One sentence Hans Christian Andersen writes, “The most wonderful trees and plants are growing down there, with stalks and leaves that bend so easily that they stir at the very slightest movement of the water, just as though they were alive” (216), perfectly exemplifies this imagery. It is also important to take note of how the imagery changes by location. In the part of the sea where the witch lives, the imagery evokes the feeling of gloom and loneliness that one would naturally expect from the sea floor. Above the surface of the ocean, in the human world, the author uses imagery that quite frankly blows the beauty of our world out of proportion. Andersen writes, “The whole sky had looked like gold, she said, and the clouds—well, she just couldn’t describe how beautiful they were as they sailed, all crimson and violet, over her head.” (218) This makes something we find trivial seem like something everyone must see before they die. While some may view this as odd, it is important to consider that the story centers around a mermaid who has never seen these things before.