Dory Character Analysis

While Dory’s display of female power in the film, in regards to her relationship with Marlin and the role of her mental disability, is indicative of a constructive gender message with respect to women’s capabilities in society, there are other aspects of the plot, which indicate a sort of contrasting female gender implication and scenario. Moving from the underwater sea setting and emerging to the background of the dentist’s office on land, the creatures in the fish tank meet the young female character named Darla. Much like the other characters in the film, Darla’s behaviors, actions, and personality can be viewed as abnormal and irrational, depicting a character that does not act according to the way the audience expects young girls, like …show more content…
Marlin’s character in particular, is one that undergoes significant change and development, contrasting his “disability” from the beginning to the ending. As mentioned prior, Marlin’s feminine gender performance can be interpreted as a “disability” in the way that it dictates his life, actions, and relationships with others, particularly his son Nemo. In this sense, Marlin can be seen as character that struggles with his masculinity, presenting “possibilities for non-mainstream and non-normative lessons about sexuality and gender, as well as family formation and configuration,” (King 129). In the closing scenes of the film, Marlin is depicted in a different light. He is seen to be more confident, capable of social interaction with the other sea creatures, and less restraining/constrictive in his interactions with Nemo (Finding Nemo). It would appear that Marlin has come to acknowledge his “disability,” interpreted as societally incorrect gender behaviors, and “such possibilities are reinscribed within a more normative frame and are ultimately recuperated from their straying positions” (King 129). In this sense, Marlin’s journey and development can be seen as a way for him to not only overcome his disability, but also achieve the gender role as a …show more content…
By result, various characters, are shown to have certain discrepant gender qualities that the audience and other characters do not associate with their pre-formulated personas/societal roles. Such discrepancies can be interpreted as disabilities on the characters’ behalf. For this reason, they are affected in various regards, in terms of their relationships, lifestyle, etc. This cinematic scenario is indicative of the way gender roles and performances are integral in society today, in that a strong emphasis/importance is placed on behaving the way society expects, according to one’s gender. Those who do not, are seen as outcasts and may face more struggles as a result. These gender ideas surround many, and through examples of literature and media, can either be suppressed or