In the Defense of Ariel

Whitney: Ariel appeared on the scene 30 years after Sleeping Beauty, and I think is kind of the “turning point” of the newer, “stronger” princesses. But she is still criticized. Mostly for giving up her identity, her body, and her voice (something that women long fought for) for a man she had never spoken to. So, Becky, what are your thoughts on Ariel?

Becky: Ariel is independent. She didn’t want the same things her family wanted, let alone the expectations her father had set for her. She didn’t just dream of another world, of something more, she yearned for it. Secretly and desperately, and she was willing to do anything for it. I think something important to remember is that Ariel was just 16. She’s a teenager, for all her claims of not being a child anymore. She’s short sighted and willful. But she is also good and full of love and energy and hope. She has her heart broken by her father, destroying everything she clung to. She makes a mistake, going to the sea witch for a last ditch attempt to have a chance at what she wants--ultimately, to be human. Yes, Prince Eric is a big part of that, but she also wanted to experience that life and that world. And she didn’t realize what she was giving up until she got there. She had no idea how significant an impact it would have. And then what does she do? She makes the best of it. She loves every minute and soaks it in, despite having no voice and being awkward and ungainly. And I think it needs to be pointed out that she had a voice, despite not being able to speak. She had the ability to communicate everything she hoped for and wanted without speaking a single word. And you know what? Eric knew. He knew she was independent and strong and unlike anyone else he’d ever meant. And she didn’t have to shout at him for him to see that. He wanted her just as she was, despite the fact that she did not have what had initially captivated him, and what everyone under the sea thought her greatest attribute.

Whitney: The thing is, she went for what she wanted. Yes, she made mistakes, but that’s how we learn. And I’d just like to point out that ARIEL saved ERIC. He was going to marry the sea witch, so she jumps in the water (though she couldn’t swim with her legs) and attempts to save him. Then they work together to defeat Ursula after Triton sacrifices himself for his daughter. And speaking of Triton, he made a mistake too. Which helps kids know that everyone is still makes mistakes, even grown ups. And, yes, at the end of the movie, there’s a wedding and a “happily ever after,” but really it’s about Ariel learning to trust herself and go for the things that she wants.

Becky: Brilliantly said. And Ursula has to change her plans because she underestimated Ariel. She intervened herself and literally forced her way into Eric’s path, using Ariel’s voice, all to keep Ariel from that happy ending she would have had, which she did all on her own. WITHOUT her voice. The story is about Ariel breaking free and being true to herself, taking chances, and living her dreams.