Ariel’s Journey: An Analysis of Character Development in The Little Mermaid 2023

The Little Mermaid, a beloved Disney film that has captured the hearts of millions since its release in 1989, tells the enchanting tale of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of exploring the human world above. Through her journey, Ariel undergoes significant character development, transforming from an impulsive and naive teenager to a brave and selfless heroine.

Introduction

In order to fully appreciate Ariel's character development, it is important to understand her starting point. At the beginning of the movie, Ariel is portrayed as a curious and adventurous young mermaid with an insatiable desire to explore the unknown. However, her fascination with humans often leads her to make impulsive decisions without considering their consequences.

Curiosity and Rebellion

Ariel's curiosity about the human world is initially sparked by her collection of human artifacts that she has salvaged from shipwrecks. She longs to be part of their world and yearns for something more than what life under the sea offers. This curiosity ultimately leads Ariel into making a deal with Ursula, a sea witch, trading her voice for legs so that she can experience life on land.

This rebellious act showcases Ariel's willingness to take risks in order to pursue her dreams. However, it also highlights her impulsive nature and lack of forethought. Ariel's decision to defy her father's rules and seek out the help of a dangerous sea witch exposes her vulnerability and immaturity.

Self-Discovery

As Ariel embarks on her journey as a human, she quickly realizes that life on land is not as magical as she had imagined. Without her voice, she struggles to communicate and is faced with numerous challenges. Through these obstacles, Ariel begins to develop a deeper understanding of herself and the importance of identity.

Ariel's interactions with Prince Eric play a significant role in her self-discovery. Despite being unable to speak, she learns to express herself through non-verbal communication and genuine actions. Through their blossoming relationship, Ariel discovers the power of love and sacrifice.

Growth and Transformation

As the story progresses, Ariel faces yet another obstacle when Ursula manipulates her into believing that she can only remain human by winning Prince Eric's true love's kiss within three days. This sets up the climax of the film where Ariel must summon all her newfound courage and determination in order to defeat Ursula.

Ariel's growth is evident in this final act as she takes charge of her own destiny. She rallies her underwater friends, who have also witnessed her transformation throughout the film, to aid her in the battle against Ursula. This act of leadership shows how far Ariel has come from being an impulsive teenager willing to make deals without considering the consequences.

The Power of Selflessness

In the end, it is Ariel's selfless act that ultimately leads to her victory over Ursula. She sacrifices herself for the ones she loves, proving that she has learned the importance of putting others before herself. This final act of heroism solidifies Ariel's transformation from a naive and reckless mermaid to a true heroine.

Conclusion

The character development of Ariel in The Little Mermaid is a journey that highlights the power of curiosity, self-discovery, growth, and selflessness. Through her experiences, Ariel evolves from an impulsive teenager driven by curiosity to a brave and selfless young woman who understands the importance of love and sacrifice.

Watching Ariel's transformation not only provides entertainment but also serves as an important lesson about personal growth and the value of learning from our mistakes. We are reminded that life is a journey filled with challenges and obstacles, but it is through facing these challenges head-on that we can truly grow and become the best versions of ourselves.