The Mighty Mermaid Analysis

The Deeper Tale of the Mighty Mermaid When people think of Disney fairy tales, most immediately associate with fun, happy endings, imagination, and dreams come true. While this is not inherently wrong, it seems they can take it too far. Historically speaking, the majority of fairy tales intend to impart life lessons, values, and morals. However, when Disney sets out to create fairy tale films, ultimately, they tend to alter the original story line so much that the original context tends to disappear. The Little Mermaid is an example of this, and after further examination the contrast of the original intent of Andersen will be established. The original tale has a much more profound lesson to teach, compared to the shallow, more diluted …show more content…
(Özgenalp, 6) It’s as if the idea conveyed is that it is acceptable to compromise integrity for the short term gain. Whereas, the original Andersen version insinuates a deeper message: At times, life is disappointing and one may not always receive what one desires, but doing the right thing is nobler and will eventually be rewarded. Children shouldn’t be sheltered from bad things happening or disappointment because it develops character and gives them a greater understanding of courage. Vigen Guroian states that “The great fairy tales and fantasy stories capture the meaning of morality through vivid depictions of struggles between good and evil where characters must make difficult choices between right and wrong… “(4) They prepare children for the unpleasant realities of life. Entertainment need not be for amusement only, but can also teach valuable lessons. If our culture continues to use entertainment as a means of escape from reality, then it will continue to produce people of weak character with no perseverance. Perhaps it’s time Disney stopped sugar coating life and demonstrated real values in their productions that will equip us when life’s circumstances are