Symbolism In The Lion King

Art is defined at the expression of creative skill or imagination to produce emotional power. Disney is notorious for their artworks and their ability to create this “emotional power.” The majority of their films include remarkable artwork from the plethora of musicals performed to the stunning visual imagery provided to enhance the overall message being portrayed. The Lion King is a story of loss and love, peace and war, as well as good and evil. The natural landscapes, the weather, and the overall condition and health of the land provide context clues and help foreshadow what is to come and emphasize the severity of the situations. The first context clue we see is when Simba and Nala arrive at the elephant graveyard. The landscape is much …show more content…
The lands once scattered with lush green grasses and trees, large flowing rivers and lakes, and a community of animals to inhabit the lands are now barren with dead vegetation, the riverbeds and lakes have dried up, and the large herds still remain in the form of skeletons. Mufasa, the late king, preached of a balance and support of the “circle of life” which was portrayed itself through his thriving kingdom. Scare, the current king, has taken over and brought the hyenas (who at this point in the story are associated with death and despair) along with him. Later in the story Simba returns to his homeland to witness the destruction and devastation that has occurred. Without the balance his father taught he may now see first-hand what happens when the circle of life is not respected. Through a short altercation between Scar and Sarabi, Simba’s mother, she explains to the King that without balance the remaining hears have left and rivers have dried …show more content…
His father and homeland begin to weigh heavily on his conscious. Simba go on a walk to get some alone time before eventually collapsing to the ground releasing a cloud of dust that foreshadow winds of change. Simba is soon encountered by a shamen, named Rafiki, who begins to guide Simba along a spiritual journey and help to drive him in the right direction. Simba soon goes on a vision quest and sees his father who reminds him not to forget who he is and his purpose must be to restore balance to the circle of life. Simba is later quoted saying “Looks like the winds are changing.” Simba is reunited with his closest childhood friend Nala who quickly explains to him the current state of their homeland and how he should return home to restore order. After a small exchange of dialogue the setting transition to sundown with red and pink sky’s and waterfalls along the backdrop to represent the romantic feelings Simba and Nala are feeling for each other. This expression of romantic emotion is emphasized through the song “Can you feel the love tonight” and the notion is later solidified by Timon and Pumbaa’s verse in the song “it can be