The Role of Music in Telling Ariel's Story in The Little Mermaid

Introduction

The Little Mermaid, the beloved Disney animated film released in 1989, tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of becoming human and exploring life on land. One of the most captivating aspects of this film is its music. From the memorable songs to the enchanting score, music plays a vital role in conveying Ariel's journey and emotions throughout the story.

Memorable Songs

One of the defining features of The Little Mermaid is its collection of memorable songs. Each song serves a specific purpose and helps to advance the narrative or develop Ariel's character.

• "Part of Your World": This iconic song captures Ariel's longing for life on land. It showcases her curiosity and desire to experience something beyond what she knows under the sea. Through heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody, "Part of Your World" establishes Ariel's deep yearning.
• "Under the Sea": This lively and infectious song introduces us to Sebastian, Ariel's friend and advisor. Through its catchy tune and vibrant lyrics, "Under the Sea" showcases Sebastian's charm and playful personality while also emphasizing the wonders and joys of life under the sea.
• "Poor Unfortunate Souls": This haunting song is performed by Ursula, the film's villain. "Poor Unfortunate Souls" reveals Ursula's manipulative nature as she tempts Ariel with a deal to make her human in exchange for her voice. The song builds tension and adds depth to Ursula's character, highlighting the conflict between good and evil in the story.

The Enchanting Score

In addition to its memorable songs, The Little Mermaid features an enchanting score composed by Alan Menken. The score provides the film with emotional depth and enhances key moments throughout Ariel's journey.

For example, during Ariel's transformation from mermaid to human, a powerful instrumental score accompanies the scene. The swelling music helps convey the magnitude of this pivotal moment in Ariel's life as she takes a leap of faith into unknown territory.

The score also plays a significant role in creating suspense and drama. When Ariel is faced with obstacles or when tension arises, the music intensifies, heightening the audience's emotions and investment in the story.

Eliciting Emotions

Music has a unique ability to evoke emotions, and The Little Mermaid expertly utilizes this power to enhance storytelling. Throughout the film, different musical themes correspond to specific characters or moments, creating emotional connections with the audience.

For instance, Ariel's theme, a recurring melody, captures her innocence, dreams, and determination. Whenever this melody is heard, it immediately brings to mind Ariel's character and her journey.

In contrast, Ursula's theme is dark and menacing. It invokes feelings of fear and unease whenever she appears on screen. This musical motif adds depth to Ursula's portrayal as the film's primary antagonist.

Conclusion

The music in The Little Mermaid plays an integral role in telling Ariel's story. From the memorable songs that express her desires and emotions to the enchanting score that heightens suspense and drama, every musical element contributes to the overall narrative.

Through music, audiences are able to connect with Ariel on a deeper level and become immersed in her journey of self-discovery and love. The melodies and lyrics bring the characters to life while evoking a range of emotions within the viewers.

So next time you watch The Little Mermaid, pay close attention to how music shapes Ariel's story. You may find yourself singing along or being swept away by the magic of this beloved Disney classic.